Notice:
 
 The following material was made available through the 
 courtesy of the author. It may be downloaded and distributed 
 electronically, always provided that such distribution is 
 of the whole rather than parts and that full credit is given 
 to the author. Distribution in physical copies or inclusion 
 in published works should not be undertaken without the express 
 consent of the author. This appearance of this work in 
electronic form does not impinge upon copyright and does not 
preclude later publication.
 
 ************************************************************
                                      
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                             THE STATUTES 
                                    
                                  of 
                                    
                    THE COMMUNE OF BUGELLE (BIELLA) 
                                    
                                  and 
                                    
                  THE DOCUMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN ADDED 
                                    
                                    
                                  I. 
                                    
                                    
                             THE STATUTES 
                                    
                                    
                             Pietro Sella 
                                    
                                    
                    Biella at the Press of G. Testa 
                                    
                                    
                                 1904 
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS 
                                    
   
  I.      Introduction 
  II.     The Paleographic Survey of the Statutes 
III.    Record I: The Statutes of the Commune of Bugella     
          (Biella). 
IV.     The Collection of the Statutes of the Commune of      
          Biella. 
  V.      The Statutes of the College of the Drapers. 
VI.     Record II: The Fragmented Statutes of the Commune     
          of Biella of the Fourteenth Century. 
VII.    The Collection of the Fragments of the Statutes of    
          the Commune of Biella  of the Fourteenth Century. 
VIII.   Record III: The Book of the Sacred Ordinances of the 
          Consuls and Officials of the Commune. 
  IX.     Concerning the Podesta. 
  X.      The Statutes concerning Dowries. 
XI.     The Privileges, Immunities, Honors, Liberties and     
               Customary Law of the Commune of Biella. 
  XII.    The Collection of the three Records. 
XIII.   Record IV: The Statutes concerning the Sindication    
          of the Podesta. 
XIV.    The Collection of the Statutes concerning the        
          Sindication of the Podesta. 
XV.     Record V: The Statutes of the Wrongdoers of the      
          Commune of Biella. 
  XVI.    Record VI: The Statutes of the Notaries of Biella. 
XVII.   The Collection of the Statutes of the Notaries of     
          Biella. 
XVIII.  Record VII: The Book of the Statutes of all of the    
                         Magistrates of the Commune of Biella. 
  XIX.    The Statutes of the Iron Workers. 
  XX.     The Statutes of the Candle-makers. 
  XXI.    The Statutes of the Tailors. 
  XXII.   The Statutes of the Weavers. 
  XXIII.  The Statutes of the Drapers. 
  XXIV.   The Statutes of the Mace-Bearers. 
  XXV.    The Statutes of the Butchers. 
  XXVI.   The Collection of the Statutes of the Iron Workers. 
  XXVII.  The Collection of the Statutes of the Candle-makers. 
  XXVIII. The Collection of the Statutes of the Tailors. 
  XXIX.   The Collection of the Statutes of the Weavers. 
  XXX.    The Collection of the Statutes of the Drapers. 
  XXXI.   The Collection of the Statutes of the Mace-Bearers. 
  XXXII.  The Collection of the Statutes of the Butchers. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  PR                                                                             
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
            EFACE 
   
                                    
     In the last twenty years of his life's work and in the 
  little time which he had free from the work of Parliament, 
  Quintinus Sella turned his attention to the history of his 
  hometown, Biella.  Conscious of how much exacting and 
  thorough labor would be necessary in an orderly and copious 
  archive, he not only immediately gave himself over to the 
  task of reorganizing the Archive of Biella, which had been 
  long uncared for and reduced because it was, in short, a 
  pile of badly annotated parchment, but, by going through 
  every one of the villages of the surrounding area with 
  caution and diligence, he also succeeded in causing them to 
  give the long important documents to the Commune.  At the 
  completion of this first task, he had the good fortune and 
  the job of bringing back to Biella the ancient statutes of 
  the Commune.  In the first half of the thirteenth century, 
  these statutes had been given in a communication to the 
  commune of the Abbot Augusto Avogado.  The heirs, ignorant 
  of the statutes' provenance, gave them to the Library of the 
  Duke of Genoa in Torino, where they remained in the bottom 
  of a wardrobe from 1250 or 1251 until 1867.  They were then 
  discovered by the Caviliere Pietro Vayra when he edited the 
  catalogue.  Quintinus Sella in 1874 demanded that they be 
  restored to the Commune of Biella.  The Duke of Genoa, 
  informed of the provenance, consented.  On that occasion, 
  Sella, in power for a period of eight years, brought back to 
  Biella various documents of the Archive of State of Torino 
  through the medium of the Committee  of the Storia Patria.  
  And the Archive of Biella considered itself more or less 
  complete; only the statutes of Masserano and some documents 
  of the fifteenth century which remained in the archive of 
  that commune were lacking, but it was hoped that these 
  documents would quickly come to be deposited in the Archive 
  of Biella.  They remained lost property or, as it were, in 
  the archives of some Biellanese families: The Ferrero 
  Fieschi, the Gromis, the Dal Pozzo, the Vialardi, the Mossi, 
  the Bulgaro, and a few others who, however, had (in their 
  possession), because of an oversight which was made in 
  various ways, as it were, documents totally of familial 
    interest. 
   
     With the documents reunited, he began the difficult 
  labor of reorganizing all of the thousands of documents: 
  this was accomplished by Sella with the precious help of 
  Vayra.  The archive, situated in the Professional School of 
  Biella, now consists of some 220 collection boxes in the 
  form of volumes of sheets containing the documents each in a 
  suitable envelope:  one accurate card index completed the 
  beautiful work.  The documents extend to 1600, that is, to 
  the beginning of the decline of the Commune of Biella.  The 
  other many documents that are prior to 1600, with which 
  Sella was not yet occupied, now came to be reorganized by 
  the diligent Professor Roccavella.  It was he who quickly at 
  last saw the archive completed as far as the more recent 
  era.  It was not he who made the history of the archive of 
  Biella, which was not more interesting, but in complete 
  similarity to that of another archive: the disorderly, the 
  hidden, the lost pages of the document ending at a more 
  remote era (this fact was attested to by numerous documents 
  compressed in four portfolios in the archive) belongs to 
  communes of many other regions.  They only observed that 
  "none of the ancient piedmontese cities appeared to be 
  considerable number of the codici and documentary statutes 
  ....the documents of the first period that encompass the 
  years 882-1379 add up to more than 800."  But, it was with 
  great pleasure that I, a Biellesean, can quote to this point 
  the opinion of a Frenchman on the archive of Biella.  And, 
  Lamiere, in one of his recent writings, states, "The 
  marvelous sources preserved in the communal archives of 
  Biella are relevant to one entity, the Ancient Law," an idea 
    reaffirmed by the long drawn out course of the labor. 
   
     Alas, I do not know with precision the limits of the 
  work which Quintinus Sella intended to complete for Biella;  
  but, I certainly believe, given his love for the complete 
  project, that he had wished to write a complete history of 
  Biella and the Biellanese from each point of view.  
  Meanwhile, as at the beginning of a greater work, he had 
  begun to concern himself with the Statutes of Biella and, 
  with the assistance of Vayra, he had not yet begun the copy 
  or the publication.  However, since the Codex Astensis, as 
  it was known, which had been carried from Vienna to Asti, 
  had come into his hands in 1876, and, as it had occurred a 
  little while earlier, the Statuta Comunis had been carried 
  from Biella to Torino, he suspended the study of the one 
  project to give himself over to that of another fine codex.  
  He was already well advanced with the not insignificant work 
  when the end of his life came.  The Codex Astensis saw the 
  light, after the vote of the Accademia dei Lincei, with the 
  assistance of Sella's initials and thanks to the care of 
  Vayra.  The statutes of Biella remained for many years in 
  ten published sheets; it was nonetheless in these sheet that 
  they had Sella's legacy.  I, both because of the duty of 
  blood and because of a grand veneration, had the obligation 
  of its complete publication.  Still, not being able to 
  arrive at the perfection to which the mind of Quintinus 
  Sella might have led me, I believe that it is useful to my 
  labor that I will be able to complete the work myself; in 
    any event 
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
                                                                       "We will
examine the long study and the grand love." 
                                    
                                 .... 
   
   
   
   
  The Statutory documents of the Commune of Biella are: 
   
Mon. I:   Statuta Comunis Bugelle (1245) et collegii         
            drapariorum Bugelle et Vernati (1438). 
          [The Statutes of the Commune of Biella (1245) and 
          of the College of the Drapers of Biella and        
            Vernati (1348).] 
  Mon. II:  Statutorum Comunis Bugelle seculi XIV fragmentum. 
          [The Fragments of the Statutes of the Commune of   
            Biella of the XIV century.] 
Mon. III. A. Liber sacramentorum consulum et officialum      
            comunis (without a date). 
          A. The Book of the Sacred Ordinances of the        
            Consuls and Officials of the Commune. 
            B. De potestate. (without a date). 
            B. Concerning the Podesta. 
            C. Statuta de dotibus. (1454-1455) 
            C. The Statutes concerning Dowries. 
          D. Privilegia, Immunitates, Honorancie, Libertates 
          et Consuetudines Comunis Bugella.  (without a      
            date) 
          [The Privileges, Immunities, Honors, Liberties,    
            and Common Law of the Commune of Biella] 
Mon. IV:  Statuta super sindicatione potestatis Bugelle      
            eiusve familie. (without a date) 
          [The Statutes concerning the Sindication of the    
            Podesta of Biella and his Household.] 
Mon. V:   Statuta maleficorum Comunis Bugelle (without a     
            date). 
          [The Statutes of the Wrongdoers of the Commune of 
            Biella.] 
  Mon. VI:  Statuta notariorum Bugelle. (1429) 
            [The Statutes of the Notaries of Biella.] 
Mon. VII: Liber statutorum et ordinamentorum omnium          
            magistrariarum Comunis Bugelle: 
          [The Book of the Statutes and Ordinances of all of 
            the Magistrates of the Commune of Biella.] 
            A. Statuta ferrariorum (1275)  
            [Statutes of the Iron-workers]. 
            B. Statuta calegariorum (1291) 
            [Statutes of the Candle-makers]. 
            C. Statuta sartorum. (1296) 
            [Statutes of the Tailors] 
            D. Statuta textorum. (1310) 
            [Statutes of the Weavers] 
            E. Statuta drapariorum. (1348) 
            [Statutes of the Drapers] 
            F. Statuta massariorum. (1385) 
            [Statutes of the Mace-bearers] 
            G. Statuta beccariorum. (?) 
            [Statutes of the Butchers] 
   
     The statutes of the magistrates and the statutes of the 
  mace-bearers was not included; the copy of the document had 
  come to an end.  The printing was added to the statutes of 
  the notaries.  From this memorial, the documents related 
  somehow to the proceeding statutes did follow in the 
    following order: 
   
  Mon. I:   Documenta adiecta monumentis I, II, III, IV, V. 
  Mon. II:  Documenta adiecta monumento VI. 
  Mon. III: Documenta adiecta monumento VII. 
  Mon. IV:  Documenta adiecta monumento VIII B. 
  Mon. V:   Documenta adiecta monumento VII E. 
  Mon. VI:  Documenta adiecta monumento VII G. 
   
     At the part relative to my commune, I am stopping in 
  the year 1600 which, approximately signals the end of the 
  commune, but also its complete absorption by the party of 
  Casa Savoia; besides, through the skills by which I can 
  discover documents, I have come to the point at which I am 
    on the footsteps of a colleague. 
   
                      A PALEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF THE STATUTES 
                                    
     The codex of the ancient statutes which remains for us, 
  although it may be included with the Statutes of 1245, is not 
  of the same date, but, as it so often happens, one copy of a 
  much later date was included together with the statutes of 
  1245; other subsequent statutes may be under the form of 
  interlinear or marginal additions.  Therefore, it will be 
  necessary to proceed to a paleographic survey to seek to 
  determine the age of the codex and the relative age of the 
    various additions. 
   
     Our present codex is under the form of a beautiful volume 
  of 89 membranaceous sheets of 23X34 cm, relegated by the 
  diligence of Quintinus Sella between two little boards of 
    wood, as it was formerly in ancient times. 
   
     One first glance at it some time ago made note of the 
  fact that the characters that form the basis for the codex are 
  of the same hand of the beginning of the fourteenth century, 
  neat, written in a beautiful black ink, with diligence, and 
  with the initial miniature letters in red.  These characters 
  form the greater part of almost all of the rubrics of the 
  codex (I saw in the text of the statutes a note relative to 
  the various additions and in the present state of the 
  articles); at its glance, the articles written by the various 
  other hands with more or less diligence are without the 
  miniature initial (letters) and are certainly subsequent to 
  the aforesaid characters.  Among the various characters of the 
  subsequent additions, connections can not be discovered with 
  certainty, but I have allowed myself to recognize the age or 
  at least the succession of some of them.  First, to look for 
  the age of the principal character (book hand), n. 1., as I 
  call it, I will examine a single rubric, from which springs 
    the solution to the problem. 
   
     Rubric I occupies sheets 1-6 and sheets 8 and 9 (which 
  are on the back and on the black side of the sheet); sheet 7 
  occupies part of Rubric II, an error derived from a mistaken 
  sewing, a kind of ab antico, of the sheets.  The sheets from 
  1-30 are all of hand n. 1. and of the year of the aforesaid 
  characters; those from 31-37 are of various subsequent hands; 
  from sheets 37-44, the hand appears to be one only and was 
  probably drawn to the addition intact without subsequent 
  modification.  It is apparent to me that it is one of the last 
  additions made in the first code to proceed to the editing of 
  the editing of the other codex that remains here with the 
  title, Statutum Comunis Bugelle seculi XIV fragmentum and of 
    which I will speak a little later. 
   
     Rubric II occupies sheets 7, 10 and 11 (sheet 11 is on 
  the back and the blank side).  All of the articles of this 
  rubric are of the hand n. 1; the last (sheet) is excluded (a. 
  59), which is subsequent, of another hand, without the 
    miniature initial letter. 
   
     Rubric III occupies sheets 12 and 13.  Articles 60-65 are 
  of hand n. 1.; the others, 66-70, are of a different and later 
    hand, without the miniature initial (letters). 
   
     Rubric IIII occupies sheets 14, 15, and 16.  Articles 71- 
  80 are of hand n. 1.; also, although there are no initial 
  miniature (letters), it appears that article 74 is an 
  additional statement at the bottom of sheet 14 and that one 
  can, with every probability, consider it contemporaneous with 
  the book hand n. 1.  Article 81, added at the bottom of sheet 
  15, without the miniature initial letters, is certainly a 
  remarkable subsequent addition to another article.  Articles 
  82-88 are of the hand n. 1.  89-93 are later, the work of 
  various hands.  Articles 92 and 93 are therefore of the same 
    characters and they are therefore considered contemporaneous. 
   
     Rubric V occupies sheets 17 and 18 (the back of sheet 18 
  is blank).  Articles 94-100 are in the same hand n. 1.; 102 
    and 103 are of a different subsequent hand. 
   
     Rubric VI occupies sheets 19, 20, 21, and 22 (the back of 
  sheet 22 is blank).  Articles 104-111 are of hand n. 1.; 
  Article 112 is of different characters, although they do have 
  miniature initials and they are in the middle of the page; it 
  is a difficult decision.  It is perhaps the one addition in 
  the edition that the empty space, if I am permitted, was 
  filled in with a compressed hand and is considered 
  contemporaneous.  Articles 113-120 are of the new hand n. 1.  
  Article 121 is of another hand.  122, 123, and 124 
  respectively are of a uniform hand and therefore are 
  respectively contemporaneous; of 121, it is clear that it is 
    the characters of the addition. 
   
Rubric VII occupies sheets 23, 24, and 25 (Sheet 31 is on the 
  blank side).  Articles 144-165 are in hand n.1.; Article 138 
  was added to the bottom of the back of sheet 24, and the 
  initial letters are not miniatures, but they are certainly in 
  another hand.  Article 143, however, is a subsequent addition 
    of a variant hand. 
   
     Rubric VIII occupies sheets 27-30 (Sheet 31 is on the 
  blank side).  Articles 144-165 are in hand n.1.; it is this 
  article that comes to supply us with a first date, truthfully 
  anchored with much inaccuracy, through the determination of 
  the age of hand n.1.  The fact is that Article 144 at the end, 
  as a linear addition, says: "MCCCXXXV pendet"; consequently 
  the article is prior to 1335.  The first result perhaps can be 
  surmised on the sole criteria of calligraphy, but it is not 
  entirely useless that the first argument is not likewise 
  precise.  We will have a better determination (of the date) 
  later.  Articles 166-169 are a later addition of a variant 
    hand. 
   
     Rubric IX occupies sheets 32 and 33 (The back of Sheet 33 
  is on the blank side).  Article 170-173 is of hand n.1.  
  Article 174 is of another hand, without the miniature initial 
    letter and is a later addition. 
   
     Rubric X occupies sheets 34 and 35 (The back of Sheet 35 
  is on the blank side).  Articles 175 and 178 are of hand n.1.; 
  the remaining articles, 179-181, are of a variant and 
    subsequent hand. 
   
     Rubric XI occupies sheets 36, 37, and 38 (The back of 
  Sheet 38 is on the blank side).  Articles 182-191 are in hand 
  n.1.; articles 192-195 are a subsequent addition of a variant 
  hand; on the other hand, articles 192 and 193 bear 
  respectively the dates of 1317 and 1318; consequently, the 
  character n. 1. is certainly prior to that date and, perhaps 
  even more given my inclination to say that they are the same, 
  the difference between the writing of n.1. and this hand is 
    not very great. 
     Rubric XII occupies sheets 39-42.  Articles 196-210 are 
  in hand n.1.; the other articles, 211-223 are of a variant and 
  later hand; articles 221-222 are of the same hand, appearing 
    a second time. 
     Rubric XIII occupies sheets 43-44.  Articles 224-229 are 
  of hand n.1.; the other articles, 230-238, are all later 
    additions of a variant hand. 
     Rubric XIIII occupies sheets 45-51.  Articles 239-266 are 
  of hand n.1.; Articles 266-270 are of a variant hand.  Article 
  260 has the written (phrase): MCCCXXII dispensatum est per 
  credenciam usque ad voluntatem ipsius credentie; thus, it is 
  confirmed that hand n.1. is prior to 1322.  Surely, it is 
  certain, given the knoiwledge supplied in Rubric XI.  Article 
  261 is later: "MCCCXXVIIII positum est super hoc statuto 
  vacat"; so that it is given that it was old prior to 1329.  
  Article 270 is the last rubric and has the following text: 
  "anno currente MCCCXIII"; therefore, it is with certainty that 
    the addition of this rubric was placed first in 1323. 
     Rubric XV occupies sheets 52-54 (the back of sheet 54 is 
  blank).  Articles 271-283 are of hand n.1; articles 184 and 
    285 are of a variant hand and added later. 
     Rubric XVI occupies sheet 56 (the back if sheet 56 is 
  blank).  All of the rubrics are of the same hand n.1. without 
    additional articles, but with various interlinear additions. 
     Rubric XVII occupies sheets 57-59 (the back of sheet 59 
  is blank).  All of the Articles of this rubric, the last 
    exception, are of the same hand n.1. 
     Rubric XVIII occupies sheet 60 (Sheet 61 is blank).  
  Articles 308-311 are of hand n.1.; the others, 312-314, are of 
    a variant hand and a later addition. 
     Rubric XIX occupies sheets 62-64 (the back of sheet 64 is 
  blank), and articles 315-325 are of hand n.1.  "MCCCXII iNDIC. 
  X" is written in red above Article 225.  Then, this article is 
  of 1312 and, therefore, the character n.1. is of 1312.  
  Therefore, after the approximation of the real age, we can 
  with certainty conclude that the codex which we have is of 
  1312 and that the additions are later than that year. Cesare 
  Poma (Gli Statuti del Comune di Biella del 1245, Biella, 
  Amosso, 1885) arrived at this same conclusion based purely on 
  the character of the minatures  of the initial (letter) and 
  considered the articles which have the initial miniature 
  (letter) to be contemporaneous.  A conclusion which seems to 
  me to be embellished, but he fully justified himself, if he 
  would have resorted to the later certain criterion of the 
  identity of the character.  Articles 326-328 are later 
  additions of a variant kind; article 328 is of a later hand of 
    1331, in the year of the construction of the Roggia del Piano. 
     Rubric XX occupies sheet 65 (The following sheet 66 is 
  blank).  Articles 329-332 are of hand n.1.  Articles 333 and 
    334 are later additions of a different era. 
     Rubric XXI, which occupies sheet 67 (The following sheet 
  68 is blank) are all of hand n.1, with the exception of 
    Article 341, which is a later addition. 
     Rubric XXII occupies sheets 69-76.  Articles 342-364 are 
  all of hand n.1; Articles 315, 366, 367 are dated in 1314, 
  1317, and 1318 and are of a variant hand.  The other articles, 
  368-385, are later additions, written with little order and 
  are all later than 1318.  Articles 373 and 374 then, which 
  were drawn from the struggle of Biella with Salussola which 
    lasted from 1334 to 1343, are placed in those years. 
     Rubric XXIII are very probably an addition, since they 
  neither remain as written in hand n.1 nor do they have the 
  miniature initial letters.  The inventory following in sheets 
  77-87 with titles, numbers, and initial miniature (letters) in 
  red.  On the back of sheet 87 and on the back of sheet 88 is 
  written the Statute of the Drapers of 1348; the characters of 
    that era.  The codex concludes at sheet 89 which is blank. 
     But now we sum up the results provided in the detailed 
  examination of the codex.  Secondly, the date, the year 1245, 
  in which the statutes were compiled for the first time, is 
  probably in 1245.  In 1312, the codex proceeded to a new 
  edition, including the reformations made from 1245 to 1312; 
  this edition is the one which remains, augmented by the later 
  additions made until 1343 or thereabouts.  I note then a fact 
  of great importance, namely that the statute of the Commune is 
  followed by the Statutes of the Drapers, a clear demonstration 
  of the predominance that already then the Gild of the 
  woolworkers in Biella had assumed.  Thus, it was believed 
    fitting that the statute was united to that of the Commune. 
     We now pass onto the examination of the second Memorial 
  entitled, "Statutorum Comunis Bugelle seculi XIV fragmentum."  
  The memorial appears to be of one paper booklet of 46 sheets 
    of 23X31 cm. 
     Also, in the codex as in some of the ancient statutes 
  themselves, there is one predominate hand that is one of the 
  second half of the XIV century with much added on and marginal 
  and linear additions.  However, I believe that the (codex) 
  should be considered later with the addition of the codex of 
  the ancient statutes of which the more later date was of 1334- 
  1343 (a. 373-374).  In as much as with another memorial of 
  statutes, the concern with one minute paleographic search is 
  nearly worthless; therefore, I am limiting myself to giving 
    one simple description. 
     Memorial III entitled, "Liber sacramentorum consulum et 
  officialum comunis Bugelle," and "De Potestate" consists of 37 
  parchment sheets of 33X23 cm., written in a type of hand of 
    the first half of 1400. 
     Memorial IV, "Statuta super sindicatione Potestatis 
  Bugelle eiusve familie," consists of 4 paper sheets, greatly 
  battered by the dampness, 25X15 cm., written by a hand of the 
    first half of the 1400s. 
     Memorial V, "Statuta Maleficiorum Bugelle," is a single 
  parchment codex of 46 sheets, 31.5X20 cm., of the character of 
    the first half of the XIV century. 
     Memorial VI, "Statuta Notariorum Bugelle," consists of 55 
  parchment sheets of 25X18 cm.; the entry point of the 1429 
    date is probable and is the original copy. 
     Memorial VII, "Liber Statutorum et Ordinamentorum omnium 
  magistrariarum Comunis Bugelle," consists of 75 paper sheets, 
  30X23 cm., with many blank pages.  The is one copy from the 
  first half of 1400.  The statute of the butchers itself is not 
  included, because it is not detached from it, but that it is 
    nevertheless detached from the characteristics of the codex. 
     In as much as "Documenta adiecta" is contained in Volume 
  II, nothing there is worthy of note; some small observations 
  should come forth on a case by case basis from the text of the 
    notes. 
   
     Thus, having completed the first passage of the cherished 
  work of Quintinus Sella, I will come to the completion of the 
  work with a full historical-legal study, to which I will 
  continue to pay attention.  In this study, I will relate the 
  present statute to the statutory legislation in general and 
  specifically to the piedmontese [statutory legislation], by 
  dealing in a far more complete manner with that which will be 
  given to me, that is, the questions that will spring forth.  
  Then, I will be able to speak of the worth of the completed 
  work that, after so much time has by now passed by, Quintinus 
    Sella has thus clearly conceived of and undertaken. 
   
  Rome  October, 1904.                    Pietro Sella 
                                        
                              translations 
                                     
                                   of 
                                     
                              THE chapters  
                                     
                                   of 
                                     
                   the statutes of biella of 1245-1348 
                                     
 
                              I. 
 
     STATUTA COMUNIS BUGELLE [MCCXLV] ET COLLEGII DRAPARIORUM 
BUGELLE ET VERNATI [MCCCXLVIII] -- Cod. Membr. 
 
In nomine Domini nostri Yhesu Christi amen. 
Anno Dominice Nativitatis Milleximo Ducenteximo quadrageximo 
quinto.  Inditione quarta. 
 
     Hec sunt statuta et ordinamenta Communis Bugelle facta ad 
honorem dei et Gloriose virginis Marie. et beatorum Eusebij et 
Stephani. Jacobi et omnium sanctorum pariter ac sanctarum dei. et 
venerabilis in Christo patris domini Episcopi Vercelensis. et 
Comunis ac vniuersitatis Bugelle. et ad ipsius Communis bonum 
statum pacificum et quietum. que statuta homines habitentes in 
Bugella debent firmiter obseruare. et que statuta posita sunt sub 
rubricis et signatis. 
 
     THE STATUTES OF THE COMMUNE OF BIELLA [1245] AND THE COLLEGE 
OF THE DRAPERS OF BIELLA AND VERNATUM [1348] 
 
In the Name of Our Lord Yhesus Christus. Amen. 
In the Year of the Nativity, Twelve Hundred Forty Five.  During the 
Fourth Indiction. 
 
     These are the Statutes and the Ordinances of the Commune of 
Biella made for the honor of God, the Glorious Virgin Mary, Blessed 
Eusebius, Stephen, James, and all of the Saints of God equally, and 
[for the honor] of our venerable Father in Christ, the Lord Bishop 
Vercelns, the Commune and University of Biella, and for the good, 
peaceful, and quiet state of the Commune.  The men living in 
Biella 
should firmly observe these statutes.  And these statutes are 
organized under distinct rubrics and designations. 
 
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
       _______________ 
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                          DE CUMSULIBUS -R. I. 
                                     
     1. [I.] In primis statutum et ordinatum est quod anno usque ad 
festum sanctorum Symonis et Jude eligantur quatuor Consules quorum 
unus sit clavarius Comunis ad voluntatem Credentiariorum vel 
maioris partis ipsorum sive specialiter ad hoc electorum. qui 
Jurent in plena Credentia super statutis. et sicut in infrascripto 
sacramentali per omnia plenius continentur. Quod sacramentale sic 
dicit. Vos Jurabitis ad sancta dei evangelia, quod ab isto festo 
sancti Martini proximo usque ad unum annum completum pro vestro 
posse saluabitis et custodietis et manutenebitis (ecclesiam sancti 
Eusebij Vercellensis et ipsius Episcopum et) omnes rationes et jura 
et honorentias (ipsius conseruabitis) et regetis, et custodietis 
omnes homines, et Commune Bugelle tam Masculos quam maiores et 
minores, et omnes res rationes et jura et bonas consuetudines 
ipsorum quam melius et utilius poteritis.  Omnes officiales quos 
eligetis ponetis quam meliores et utiliores poteritis quemlibet in 
suo offitio ad bonum et utilitatem predicti Comunis.  Omnia banna 
vobis accusata juste capietis et rationabiliter illa cum conscilio 
aliquorum sapientorum de Credentia Judicabitis predicto Comuni et 
cuilibet persone suam iusticiam conseruantes.  Omnia banna, fodra, 
ficta, datia, et collectas ipsius Communis colligetis et excucietis 
et Clauigerio consignabitis, illo Clauigerio habente omnia scripta 
et Vos similiter habeatis Omnia illa que recipietis consignabitis, 
et Jnde bonam rationem de tribus in tribus menssibus ad opus et 
utilitatem Comunis facietis nisi de uoluntate credentie remanserit. 
et offitium vestri Consulatus exercebitis et facietis. et secundum 
voluntatem Credentiatiorum uel maioris partis et ad eorum preceptum 
uos regetis. 
     Et hec omnia et singula attendetis et obseruabitis bona fine 
si deus uos adiuuet et sancta dei euangelia. 
 
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
   CONCERNING THE CONSULS 
                                     
 
     Among the first things, it is decreed and ordained that, every 
year on the feast of the Saints Simon and Jude, four consuls be 
chosen, the first of whom should be the Clavarius (Mace-Bearer} of 
the Commune at the will of the members of the Credentia, or a major 
portion thereof, or [a portion thereof] specially selected for this 
purpose.  These men will swear in the full Credentia on the 
statutes, as it is more fully contained in all respects in the 
sworn oath written herein.  The sworn oath says thus, "We will 
swear on the Holy Gospel of God that, from the feast of St Martin 
next until the completion of one year, you, to the extent possible, 
will protect, guard, and maintain (the Church of St. Eusebius 
Vercellens and its Bishop) and all of its principles, rights, and 
honors and you will preserve, rule, and guard all of the men of the 
Commune of Biella, vigorous adults as well as old men and minors, 
and all of their property, principles, rights, and good customs as 
well and usefully as you can.  You should appoint as officials all 
of those men whom you have chosen as the best and most effective 
that you can find--each of whom you have placed in his office for 
the good and utility of the aforesaid Commune.  You will capture 
all banned persons accused by you justly and rationally with the 
counsel of the Credentia.  You will pass judgement on the aforesaid 
Commune and any person preserving the Justice of the Commune.  You 
will collect and compel (the payment of) all fines, fees, dowries, 
and property collected for the Commune and you will hand them over 
to the Treasurer (of the Commune); and, you will also hand over all 
of the written records to the Treasurer, who keeps them, and you 
will in a similar fashion keep all of those which you receive; and 
then you will render a good accounting of your three months in the 
third month for the service and utility of the Commune, unless it 
should be held over at the wish of the Credentia.  And, you will 
exercise and perform the office of your Consulate.  And, you will 
rule according to the will of the members of the Credentia or a 
major portion thereof and at their command. 
     And, you will attend to and observe each and every one of 
these matters to a good end, if God and the Holy Gospels of God may 
aid you." 
 
2. [II] VT CONSULES FATIANT IUSTITIAM ET CAPIANT IUDICATURIS 
 
     Item statutum est quod Consules possint et debeant facere 
iusticiam et rationem de quolibet homine de Bugella et habitanti in 
Bugella et cuilibet qui eam pecierit sub eis. et non capere 
Judicaturam de causis confessatis, set de negatis et contestatis 
capient a qualibet parte ad rationem denariorum duodecim pro libra. 
Et omnes sententie et condempnationes quas tulerint et dederint de 
iure attendentur et res quas dabunt uel dari fecerint aut iusserint 
in pagamento firmiter ex parte comunis manuteneantur ei cui date 
fuerint de Jure.  Et qui in aliquo contrafecerit soluat bannum pro 
quolibet et qualibet vice solidorum X pp. 
 
2. [II] THAT THE CONSULS SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE JUSTICE AND            
 ENFORCE VERDICTS.  
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls can and 
should render justice and a fair reckoning in respect to each man 
of Biella, each person residing in Biella, and any one who seeks 
justice from them and they are not to administer justice in respect 
to cases which have been confessed to, but in respect to cases 
which are contested or denied.  They should receive from each party 
twelve denarii per pound as a reckoning.   And, all sentences and 
condemnations which are carried out or given should be attended to 
according to the law and the properties which they will grant or 
cause to be granted or awarded in a judgement as satisfaction 
should be steadily maintained by the commune for the person to whom 
they had been granted under the law.  And, he, who in any way 
violates [this bann], should pay a fine of ten solidi pp. for each 
and every offence. 
 
 
 
3. [III] QUOD PRECEPTA CONSULUM ATTENDANTUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod omnia precepta et banna inposita per 
consules comunis uel eorum nuncios iuste et rationabiliter facta 
firmiter obseruentur. 
 
3. [III] THAT THE COMMANDS OF THE CONSULS SHOULD BE HEEDED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that all of the precepts 
and banns which have been imposed by the Consuls of the Commune or 
their envoys and which have been justly and rationally made should 
be strongly observed. 
 
 
4. [IIII] SALARIUM CONSULUM NOTARIJ ET QUID NOTARIUS FACERE       
     TENEATUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod quisque consul habeat pro suo salario 
libras X pp. et clauarius libras XII pp. et Nottarius libras tres 
pp. et non plus. et pro illo salario debeat nottarius facere omnes 
scripturas comunis preter cartas testatas et litteras mandatas. et 
stare continue cum clauario ad exigendum banna et ad faciendum alia 
negocia comunis. nisi haberent licenciam a dicto clauario. et hoc 
teneantur facere per eorum sacramentum. 
 
4. [IIII] THE SALARY OF THE NOTARY OF THE CONSULS AND WHAT A      
     NOTARY CAN BE OBLIGED TO DO. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that any consul should 
have ten pounds pp. for his salary, the treasurer twelve pounds 
pp., the notary three pounds pp. and no more.  And, for his salary, 
the notary should have all of the commune's written work with the 
exception of sworn charters and mandated letters and he is to 
remind the treasurer to demand [the payment] of fines and to 
conduct the other business of the commune, unless he has a 
dispensation from the aforesaid treasurer.  And, the notaries are 
obliged to do this on their sworn oath. 
 
 
5. [V] QUIBUS TENEATUR CONSUL FACERE PRANDIUM QUANDO ET PENA       
NON FATIENTIS. 
 
     Item statutum est quod quilibet qui eligetur in consulatu de 
nouo teneatur facere vnum bonum prandium secundum quod consuetum 
est aliis consulibus ueteribus et nouis et Gastaldis. et 
seruitoribus et nottariis et electoribus ipsorum consulum usque ad 
festum sancte Marie candelarie. et si non fecerit amitat totum suum 
salarium. et 222vltra hoc quod sub pena et banno solidorum LX pp. 
et solidorum XX pp. pro qualibet edomada qua steterit ultra 
terminum quod non fecerit dictum prandium. de quo prandio et banno 
nulla possit fieri gratia. nec poni In credentia permitatur. 
 
5. [V] TO WHOM THE CONSUL IS OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE LUNCH AT         
SOME TIME AND THE PENALTY FOR HE WHO DOES NOT                 
ACKNOWLEDGE THIS. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that anyone, who is 
chosen for the Consulate, is henceforth obliged to provide one good 
lunch according to that which is customary for the other old and 
new Consuls, provosts, servants, notaries and electors of the 
consuls until the Feast of St. Mary of the Candlemakers.  And, if 
he does not do this, he loses all of his salary and, more than 
this, [it is understood] that he is under a penalty and a fine of 
sixty solidi pp. and twenty solidi pp. for each week that remains 
beyond the limit during which he has not provided the aforesaid 
lunch.  Concerning that lunch and that fine, there can be no pardon 
and he is not allowed to be seated in the Credentia. 
 
 
6. [VI] INFRA QUOD TEMPUS SINT BANNA EXIGENDA ET FIAT              
 DEFFENSIO. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules teneantur ex sacramento 
excutere siue acordari facere ydonee omnia banna eis accusata 
infra. XV. dies postquam accusara uel denuntiata fuerint.  Et si ea 
habere non potuerint faciendo eorum posse teneantur dare bannum 
accusato uel denuntiato infra illum terminum. XV. dierum. Et 
denuntiant cuilibet accusato uel denuntiato ut faciant deffensionem 
infra menssem. 
 
6. [VI] WITHIN WHAT TIME A PENALTY MUST BE EXACTED AND A           
 DEFENCE UNDERTAKEN. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls are 
obliged on their sworn oath to demand [the payment of] all suitable 
fines that have been directed to them or to see to it that they are 
negotiated within fifteen days after they have been imposed and 
reported.  And, if they can not take possession of those fines 
while exercising their power, they are obliged to give the fine to 
the accused or denounced  person within that limit of fifteen days.  
And they should report to each accused person that they should make 
a defence within the month. 
 
 
7. [VII] CONSULES UETERES DARE DEBEANT BANNITOS NOUIS INFRA        
  NATIUITATEM. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules noui debeant omnes bannitos 
per consules veteres tenere in banno. donec acordauerint se cum 
ipsis consulibus. et facere preconizari quod ipsi sint in banno per 
ipsos sicut erant per veteres et quod consules veteres teneantur 
dare bannitos consulibus nouis infra natiuitatem domini post 
sanctum Martinum. 
 
7. [VII] THE OLD CONSULES SHOULD HAND OVER THE FINES TO THE        
  NEW CONSULS WITHIN CHRISTMASTIDE. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the new consuls 
should keep all of those men banned by the old consuls under the 
bann until they have consulted with those consuls and to see to it 
that those person remain under bann by their authority as they had 
been by the authority of the previous consuls and that the previous 
consuls are obliged to hand over the persons under bann to the new 
consuls by the Nativity of the Lord after the Feast of St. Martin. 
 
 
8. [VIII] STATUTA LEGI DEBENT OMNI ANNO INFRA NATIUITATEM ET       
   INDE TRADI PUBLICUM INSTRUMENTUM. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules teneantur facere legi statuta 
comunis omni anno in plena contione ante natiuitatem domini. Et 
facta publicatione predicta teneantur ipsi consules ex officio suo 
precipere et facere tradi et scribi publicum Instrumentum per 
notarium comunis de publicatione dictorum statutorum comunis facta 
in plena contione quod Instrumentum dictus notarius facere teneatur 
suis sumptibus. 
 
8. [VIII] THE STATUTES SHOULD BE READ WITHIN CHRISTMASTIDE        
     EVERY YEAR AND LATER SHOULD BE HANDLED AS A PUBLIC           
INSTRUMENT. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls are 
obliged to see to it that the statutes of the Commune are read each 
year in the full assembly before the Nativity of the Lord.  And, 
after the aforesaid proclamation has been made, the consuls, as 
their duty, are obliged to give orders and see to it that the 
public instrument concerning the publication of the aforesaid 
statutes which has been  made in the full assembly be written and 
handed over by the notary of the commune.  [It is understood] that 
the aforesaid notary is obliged to produce the instrument from his 
own resources. 
 
9. [VIIII] HABERE PROUENTUS COMUNIS PER EXEMPLUM ET EXCUTERE      
      OMNIA CONSULES SUNT ASTRICTI. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules et clauarius teneantur ex 
sacramento excutere omnia banna. ficta et collectas comunis. et 
illa dent et consignant ipsi clauario. qui clauarius et consules 
teneantur et faciant illa poni et redduci in scriptis. et consules 
habeant omnia illa similiter exemplata nisi remansserit de 
uoluntate credencie. et debeant ex eis facere et reddere bonam 
rationem comuni. Et si aliquid defuerit de hoc  quod receperint 
teneantur integre restituere predicto comuni. 
 
9. [VIIII] ALL OF THE CONSULS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CHARGE OF      
      THE INCOME OF THE COMMUNE AND TO EXECUTE ALL OF             
ITS BUSINESS. 
 
     In the same way,it has been decreed that the consuls are 
obliged on their sworn oath to enforce all of the fines, feudal 
dues, and collections of the commune.  And, they are to give and 
consign those monies to the treasurer. This treasurer and the 
consuls are obliged to and should see to it that those monies are 
placed [in the treasury] and reduced to written form.  And, in a 
similar fashion, the consuls should take possession of all other 
similar examples, unless they should remain elsewhere at the wish 
of the commune.  And, they should make and render a good accounting 
of these funds to the commune.  And, ,if anyone should lack any 
[portion] of the [amount] which they have received, they are 
obliged to restore [the loss] to the aforesaid commune in its 
entirety. 
 
 
10. [X] LABORATORIBUS FORENSIBUS DEBET FIERI SOLUTIO PRIMA         
 DIE. TERRIGENIS INFRA OCTO CUM EXPENSIS PER IPSOS             
DECLARATIS. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules faciant solui laboratoribus an 
eis iusticiam petentibus de omnibus laboribus quos fecereint alicui 
homini de bugella. si laborator fuerit de bugella infra. VIII. 
dies. et si fuerit extraneus qui uelit recedere. infra secundum 
diem. Et qui non soluerit ad terminum sibi statutum per consules 
uel per eorum nuntium soluat bannum solidorum. II. pp. et postea 
soluat sibi. Et restituentur dampnum et expensse laboratori 
forenssi per eum qui non soluerit ei postquam fuerit ei preceptum 
et postquam fuerit citatus. Expenssas declarendas per dictos 
laboratores. 
 
10. [X] FOREIGN WORKERS SHOULD BE PAID ON THE FIRST DAY.           
 NATIVE-BORN WORKERS SHOULD BE PAID BY THE EIGHTH DAY     TOGETHER 
WITH THE EXPENSES WHICH THEY HAVE DECLARED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls should 
see to it that justice [the court costs?] is paid for by those 
workmen seeking payment or redress for all of the labors which they 
have performed for any man of Biella, if the workman has been in 
Biella within eight days and, if he is a foreigner who wishes to 
withdraw within the second day.  And, he, who does not pay at the 
limit decreed by the consuls for him or by their designees, should 
pay a fine of two solidi pp. afterwards pay him.  And, the loss and 
expenses are repaid to the foreign workman by the person who did 
not pay him before he had been ordered to and after he had been 
summoned.  The expenses must be declared by the aforesaid workmen. 
 
 
11. [XI] OMNES MENSURE SIGNARI ET INQUIRI DEBENT INFRA             
  NATIUITATEM. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules requirant ante festum 
natiuitatis domini omnes sestarios, minas. quartaronos. quartinos. 
medios quartinos. et quartum quartini salis. ceberos menssuratores. 
Rasos. stateras. cupos molendinariorum et omnes alias menssuras 
aliarum rerum que consuete sunt signari.  Et illas faciant 
tationari et coequari rationabiliter signo comunis.  Perticam ad 
manssurandum terras et quod menssurator terre teneatur omni anno in 
sequela Jurare quod unicuique cui menssurabit dabit suam rationem. 
 
11. [XI] ALL MEASURES SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND SEALED            
  WITHIN CHRISTMASTIDE. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls, before 
the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord, require that all sestarii, 
minae, quartarona, quartini, medii quartini, quartum quartini 
salis, ceberi (eagle) measures, razed measures of grain, staterae, 
cupi molendinariorum, and all other measures of other things which 
are customarily sealed.  And, they should see to it that those 
measures are reconciled and equalized with the seal of the commune.  
They should also see to it that the pertica (is used to) measure 
the lands and [it is understood] that the land surveyor is obliged 
each year in sequence to swear that he will give his attention to 
whatever he will measure. 
 
 
12. [XII] PENA USURARIORUM QUI DENEGANT COMMUNI PECUNIAS          
     MUTUARE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules teneantur compellere omnes 
prestatores qui prestant in bugella et eius poderio ut debeant 
mutuare consulibus nomine comunis quocienscumque fuerint requisiti. 
quod si facere recusarent. teeantur excutere omnia banna eis 
inposita predicta de causa. quibus solutis nichilominus prestare 
teneantur. nisi haberent iusta deffensionem. Et consules teneantur 
dare dictis prestatoribus denarios. IIII. pp. pro libra. 
 
12. [XII] THE PENALTY FOR MONEY CHANGERS WHO REFUSE TO            
     CHANGE THE MONIES OF THE COMMUNE. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls are 
obliged to assemble all of the lenders who lend (money) in Biella 
and its district so that they may lend to the consuls in the name 
of the commune however often they might require [money].  [It is 
understood] that if they should refuse to comply, the consuls are 
obliged to execute all banns inposed on them for the aforesaid 
reason.  From those payments, they are obliged to borrow nothing 
whatsoever, unless they have a just defence. And, the consuls are 
obliged to give the aforesaid lenders four denarii pp. per pound. 
 
 
13. [XIII] QUAE COMUNITAS NEMORA INFRA KALENDAS MARCIJ            
      DEBEAT DISBENDARE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules teneantur et debeant 
disbandire illud comune quod placuerit credencie a kalendis 
februarij usque ad kalendas marcij. 
 
13. [XIII] WHICH COMMUNITIES SHOULD HARVEST THEIR WOODS           
      WITHIN THE KALENDS OF MARCH. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls are 
obliged to and should remove from the bann that commune which has 
pleased the commune from the Kalends of February to the Kalends of 
March. 
 
 
14. [XIIII] FORMA ELIGENDI DETERMINATORES ET TEMPUS AC QUID       
       FACERE TENEANTUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules debeant eligere XII homines de 
melioribus et sapientioribus de credencia bugelle qui Jurent omni 
anno in credencia ad sancta dei euangelia meliorare. ampliare et 
desterminare vias et suprapresias. Et consules habeant unum 
quarterium de terra uel duos si opportuerit ad splanandum et 
disclaudendum et actandum secundum quod determinabitur.  Et hoc 
teneantur consules facere et fiere facere usque ad kalendas maii.  
Et si aliquid ex predictis. XII. ubi aperiretur vel largaretur 
haberet ad faciendum debeat recedere illinc donec determinatum 
fuerit ibidem. et unus ex consulibus debeat ire cum eis ad predicta 
facienda. 
 
14. [XIIII] THE TIME AND FORM OF CHOOSING `DETERMINATORES'        
       AND WHAT THEY ARE OBLIGED TO DO. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls should 
choose twelve men from the better and wiser men of the Credencia of 
the Commune who will swear each year in the Commune on the Holy 
Gospels of God that they will improve, increase, and complete the 
roads and overpasses.  And, the consuls may have one quarterium or 
two of land, if it is suitable to level, clear, or raise them 
according to that [standard] which will be determined.  And, the 
consuls are obliged to do this and to see that it is completed by 
the Kalends of May, and, if any one of the aforesaid twelve should 
withdraw from a place which he feels [the road] should be opened or 
widened until a determination [on how the work should be done] has 
been made, one of the consuls should go with them to accomplish the 
aforesaid matters. 
 
 
15. [XV] PENA CONSULUM PLUS COMPUTANTIUM QUAM EXPENDANT. 
 
     Item statutum est quod ille clauarius seu consul qui 
computaret debita seu messiones comunis plura quam esse debuerint 
a solidis. XX. pp. usque ad solidos. C. pp. soluat bannum 
solidorum. XX. pp. et restituat misfallum. et a solidis. C. 
superius soluat bannum librarum. X. pp. et amittat omnia officia 
comunis tempore uite sue. et restituat dampnum comuni. 
 
15. [XV] THE PENALTY FOR THE CONSULS WHO ACCOUNT FOR MORE          
  THAN THEY EXPEND. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the treasurer or 
consul, who computes the debts and income [messiones = harvests] to 
be more than twenty to one hundred solidi pp. than they should be, 
should pay a fine of twenty solidi pp. and they should reimburse 
the error.  If [the error is] more than one hundred solidi, he 
should pay a fine of ten pounds pp. and he should lose all of his 
offices in the Commune for life and he should restore the loss to 
the comune. 
 
  
16. [XVI] QUID TENEANTUR NOUIS CONSULIBUS INFRA NATIUITATEM       
     UETERES CONSIGNARE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod omnes consules teneantur et debeant 
infra pasca resurectionis domini consignare consulibus nouis 
substitutis omnes libros accusationum. bannorum. receptionum et et 
sequelarum. et banderias. et stateras. et marchum. et priuilegium 
uetus. et cartam pronunciatus. et eas poni facere in camera 
comunis. et eciam Vernam. et omnes alias menssuras et balistas. et 
campionum florenorum. 
 
16. [XVI] WHAT THE OLD CONSULS ARE OBLIGED TO CONSIGN TO THE      
     NEW CONSULS WITHIN CHRISTMASTIDE. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that all consuls are 
obliged to and should consign to the new substituted consuls within 
the Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord all of the books 
of accusers, banns, receipts and claims, banners, balances, 
boundary markers, ancient privileges, and the document of the 
pronouncement, and they should see to it that these materials are 
placed in the vault of the Commune and also at Verna.  And, all of 
the other measures, crossbows, and the exchange of florins [should 
be turned over to the new consuls]. 
 
 
17. [XVII] PROCURANT CONSULES UT PRONUNTIATUM ATTENDATUR          
      INTER DOMINUM EPISCOPUM ET COMUNE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules teneantur precise per eorum 
sacramentum procurare bona fide et eorum posse quod omnes nuncij 
domini episcopi qui preerunt ad iusticiam reddendum debeant Jurare 
in presencia consulum et conscilij comunis bugelle unicuique 
persone bene persone et legaliter facere iusticie complementum. 
 
17. [XVII] THE CONSULS SHOULD SEE TO IT THAT THE READING [OF      
      THEIR SOLEMN OATH] IS ATTENDED TO BY THE LORD               
BISHOP AND THE COMMUNE. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls be 
obliged on their sworn oath to see to it precisely with good faith 
and with their power that the envoys of the Lord Bishop, who 
present themselves to obtain justice, should swear in the presence 
of the consuls and council of the commune of Biella that they are 
granting a good and legal complement of justice to each and every 
person. 
 
 
18. [XVIII] QUALITER ET QUOT SINT CREDENTIARIJ ELIGENDI ET        
       PENA CONSULUM QUI ADUNT. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules debeant de conscilio. XII. 
sapientum eligere usque ad LX. credenciarios. et non plures in ea 
quantitate minori que eis uidebitur. Et facta electione 
credentiariorum et consciliariorum per dictos consules et sapientes 
non possint ipsi consules simul uel separatim per eorum sacramentum 
addere aliquem seu aliquos in credentia uel consilio et qui contra 
fecerint soluant bannum pro quolibet et qualibet vice librarum 
decem pp. et ille additus siue additi nichilominus sint cassi hoc 
tamen statutum non estandatur ad consules maystraliarum. 
 
18. [XVIII] BY WHAT RIGHT AND HOW MANY MEMBERS OF THE             
       CREDENTIA SHOULD BE CHOSEN AND THE PENALTY FOR              
THE CONSULS WHO ADD [TO THEIR NUMBER]. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls should 
choose from twelve to sixty councilmen from the Council and no more 
in that lesser amount than seems [adequate] to them.  And, after 
the choice of the members of the Credencia and the councilors by 
the aforesaid consuls and wise men has been made, the consuls can 
not, as a group or separately on their own sworn oaths, add anyone 
or several in the Credencia or the Council [to the aforesaid 
number]; and, he, who violates [this bann], should pay a fine of 
ten pounds pp. for each and every offence and the person or persons 
who were added are nullified.  Nevertheless, this statute does not 
erode the consuls majesty. 
 
 
19. [XVIIII] ARMORUM INQUISITIO ET PENA NON HABENTIBUS            
        ORDINATA. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules teneantur si eis fuerit 
preceptum per credenciam semel in anno inquirere guarnimenta et 
arma inposita hominibus bugelle. et ab illis qui non presentabunt. 
exigere bannum pro diployde et panzeria solidorum. XX. pp. et pro 
aliis armaturis solidorum. V. pp.  Et consules non pacientur poni 
in credentia per eorum sacramentum. tempore eorum consulatus. 
 
19. [XVIIII] THE INVESTIGATION OF WEAPONS AND THE PENALTY         
        FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE THEM. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that, if they have been 
ordered once a year by the Credencia to inquire after the military 
stores and weapons requisitioned by the men of Biella, the consuls 
are obliged to exact a penalty of twenty solidi pp. for doublets 
and clothing and five solidi pp. for other armaments.  And, the 
consuls are not allowed to be seated in the Credencia on their 
sworn oath during the time of their consulate. 
 
 
20. [XX] PER QUEM ET INFRA QUOD TEMPUS STATUTA NOUA PONI           
  DEBEANT IN UOLUMINE STATUTORUM. 
 
     Item statutum est quod quilibet clauarius teneatur facere poni 
in libro statutorum omnia statuta ed additiones statutorum facta 
tempore sui consulatus infra natiuitatem domini post sanctum 
Martinum. 
 
20. [XX] BY WHOM AND WITHIN WHAT PERIOD OF TIME NEW STATUTES       
  SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE VOLUME OF THE STATUTES. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that each treasurer is 
obliged to see to it that all of the statutes and additions to the 
statutes made during the time of their consulate are set down in 
the Book of the Statutes within the Nativity of the Lord after the 
Feast of St. Martin. 
 
 
21. [XXI] QUOCIENS QUALITER ET INFRA QUOD TEMPUS BANNA            
     DEBEANT IUDICARI. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules teneantur facere Judicari 
banna per sapientes comuni quatuor uicibus in anno. Videlicet de 
tribus in tribus menssibus.  Et aliquod bannum semel Judicatum non 
possit amplius Judicari. nec poni coram Judicatoribus.  Et consules 
non pacientur ipsum ponere in credencia per eorum sacramentum. 
 
21. [XXI] HOW OFTEN, IN WHAT MANNER, AND WITHIN WHAT PERIOD       
     OF TIME BANNS SHOULD BE ADJUDICATED. 
 
22. [XXII] FORMA PONENDI CUSTODES PRIUATOS. 
 
     Item statutum est quod duo ex consulibus quorum vnus sit 
clauarius debeant scire qui erunt custodes privati. et debeant esse 
presentes ad recipiendum eorum sacramenta.  Et ipsi consules non 
possint ponere dictos custodes nisi fuerunt clauarius presens ad 
recipiendum eorum sacramenta. 
 
22. [XXII] THE FORM FOR APPOINTING PRIVATE GUARDS. 
 
23. [XXIII]. QUALITER COSTE PLACIJ SINT SOLANDE ET PENA 
               CONSULIBUS CCONTRAFATIENTIBUS ORDINATA. 
 
     Item statutem est quod consules teneantur per eorum Juramentum 
actare et tenere actatas omnes costas placij bugelle et ultra hoc 
teneantur facere solari de lapidibus colis quolibet anno perticas 
tres silicet de costa glarie vel andurni vel versus vernatum Ubi 
fuerit major necessitas usque ad exitum magi. et quod primo 
teneantur consules omni anno facere solari de costa andurni 
perticas IIII donec fuerit tota solata. ita quod non possit per 
credentiam dispensari. Et si consules contrafecerint vel facere 
recusauerint persoluant pro banno solidos LX pro quolibet. 
 
23. [XXIII]. IN WHAT MANNER THE WALLS OF THE OPEN SPACES 
               SHOULD BE MAINTAINED AND THE PENALTY ORDAINED 
               AND THE PENALTY ORDAINED FOR THOSE ACTIONS 
               AGAINST THE CONSULS. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls are 
obliged by their sworn oath to lengthen and to maintain all of the 
walls of the public square of Biella and furthermore they are 
obliged to se to it  that each year heaps of stones are removed at 
least three perticas from the wall of gravel or of the ditch or 
toward the T-shaped strip of land where it has been a major 
necessity all the way until the end of May.  And [it is understood] 
from the first that the Consuls are obliged every year to level 
(the land) from the walls of the ditch for four perticas until it 
is all leveled.  It is also understood that (the provision of this 
statute) can not be dispensed with by the Credentia.  And, if any 
consuls should act contrary [to this chapter] or refuse to do [as 
commanded by it], they should pay fifty solidi as a fine for each 
offense. 
 
24. [XXIIII] VT PROHIBENTES ACCIPI PIGNORA PUNIANTUR. 
 
     Item statutum quod aliqua persona de bugella uel habitans in 
bugella non debeat uetare aliquod bannum uel pignus ocaxione 
alicuius banni uel collectarum. seu cuiuscumque precepti uel 
processus facti per consules de quo sit accusatus, alicui seruitori 
uel nuncio consulum siue sit dominus domus siue non. nec claudere 
aliquam Januam uel ostium contra ipsos seruitores uel nuntios.  Et 
qui contrafecerit. soluat bannum solidorum. V. pp. Et si faceret 
tantum quod campana Jnde pulssaretur. soluat bannum librarum. X. 
pp. et seruitor siue nuncius teneatur incontinenti accusare et 
facere poni in libro comunis accusationem suam. 
 
24. [XXIIII] THAT THOSE WHO ARE PROHIBITED FROM ACCEPTING         
        SURETIES MAY BE PUNISHED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that no person from 
Biella or living ing Biella should oppose any fine or pledge on the 
occasion of any pledge or collection, or of any order or process 
made by the consuls concerning which an accusation was made to any 
servant or agent  of the consuls or, whether he be the Lord of the 
household or not, he should not close his door or gate aganinst 
those servants or agents.  And, he, who violates [this bann], 
should pay a fine of five solidi pp.  And, if he does so much 
(mischief) that the bell is sounded as a result, he should pay a 
fine of ten pounds  and the servant or agent is obliged to make an 
accusation without hesitation and to cause his accusation to be set 
down in the Book of the Commune. 
 
 
25. [XXV] QUALITER CITATUS NON OBEDIENS PUNIATUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod si quis requisitus fuerit per 
servitorem comunis uel per alium de precepto consulum personaliter 
ad petitionem alicuius. et non venerit. Soluat bannum solidorum II 
pp. in voluntate illius qui fecerit eum requiri. et consules 
teneantur excutere ipsum bannum et ponere in libro comunis. 
 
25. [XXV] HOW QUICKLY HE WHO IS NOT OBEDIENT MAY BE               
     PUNISHED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that anyone, who has been 
summoned personally by a servant of the Commune or by any other 
person at the order of the consuls at the pertition of any person 
and he does not come, should pay a fine of two solidi pp. at the 
wish of the person who caused him to be summoned.  And, the consuls 
are obliged to execute the penalty and to set it down in the Book 
of the Commune. 
 
 
26. [XXVI] QUANTO TEMPORE SIT ACCUSATIS DEFFENSIO CONCEDENDA 
 
     Item statutum est quod quelibet persona de bugella possit et 
sibi liceat facere deffenssionem contra quamlibet accusam siue sit 
privata. siue non. dum modo possit probare contrarium per duos 
bonos. ydoneos. et legitimos testes. Et 2non possint probare per 
socios. uel participes. bannitos. vel clericos quando facta est per 
officiales comunis. 
 
26. [XXVI] IN HOW MUCH TIME A DEFENCE MAY BE CONCEDED TO          
      THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ACCUSED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that any person of Biella 
can and is permitted to make a defense against any accusation, 
whether it is private or not, until it can be proven to the 
contrary by two good, suitable, and legitimate witnesses.  And, 
they can not prove the contrary by associates, participants, banned 
persons, or clerics when the accusation has been made by the 
officials of the Commune. 
 
 
27. [XXVII] QUE DEFFENSIO DANDA SIT ACCUSATIS. 
 
     Item statutum est quod quelibet persona que acordauerit 
aliquod bannum consulibus comunis. et voluerit de ipso facere 
aliquam deffenssionem. debeat ipsam fecisse postquam acordauerit 
infra vnum menssem. et si ipsam non fecerit infra predictum 
terminum. non possit aliquam facere a termino predicto in antea et 
consules non possint eam recipere. et dictus terminus non 
extendatur ultra festum sancti Martini nisi per octo dies. 
 
27. [XXVII] WHAT DEFENCE MUST BE GRANTED TO THE ACCUSED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that any person, who has 
negotiated any penalty with the consuls of the Commune and who 
wishes to make any defense concerning that penalty, should have 
made it one month before he had negotiated.  And, if he did not 
make it one month before he had negotiated, and, if he did not make 
his defense within the aforesaid limit, he can not make any defence 
from the aforesaid limit beforehand and the consuls can not accept 
it.  And, the aforesaid limit may not be extended beyond the Feast 
of St. Martin, unless by eight days. 
 
 
28. [XXVIII] QUANDO CONDEMPNATI DEBEAT EORUM PIGNORA              
        REDEMISSE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod qui dederit aliquod pignus clauario. 
debeat ipsum reddemisse infra octauam sancti Martini quolibet anno. 
et qui non reddimerit ipsa pignora. non teneatur clauarius ulterius 
reddere ipsa. nec respondere alicui de Jure. 
 
28. [XXVIII] HOW THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SENTENCED SHOULD REDEEM      
        THEIR BOND. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that he, who gives any 
surety to the Treasurer, should have redeemed that pledge within 
the octave of Saint Martin of the same year and, if he does not 
redeem that pledge, the treasurer is not obliged to return the 
surety later and [he does not need] to respond to him at law. 
 
 
29. [XXVIIII] PRECEPTUM UNIUS CONSULIS CASSARE ALIUS NON          
         PRESUMAT. 
 
     Item statutum est quod precepta facta per aliquem ex 
consulibus non possint prorogari nec cassari per alios consules uel 
ipsorum aliquem. 
 
29. [XXVIIII] THE COMMAND OF ONE CONSUL SHOULD NOT PRESUME        
         TO INVALIDATE THAT OF ANOTHER. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the orders made by 
anyone of the consuls can not be adjourned or voided by the other 
consuls or by anyone of them. 
 
 
30. [XXX] ANTE SATISDATIONEM NULLA DEFENSIO DETUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod aliqua persona non possit facere 
aliquam deffensionem super aliquo banno nisi prius acordauerit 
ipsum bannum consulibus. 
 
30. [XXX] BEFORE SATISFACTION [HAS BEEN RENDERED, NO DEFENCE      
     SHOULD BE GRANTED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that no person can make 
any defence concerning any fine unless he had negotiated the fine 
earlier with the consuls. 
 
 
31. [XXXI] QUANDO ET QUOMODO STATUTA SINT MELIORANDA. 
 
     Item statutum et ordinatum est quod consules tenentur et 
debeant facere prouidere et meliorari omnia statuta comunis omni 
anno per vnum menssem ante festum sancti Martini per VIII sapientes 
electos per ipsos vel circa. 
 
31. [XXXI] HOW AND WHEN STATUTES MAY BE IMPROVED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed and ordained that the 
consuls are obliged to and shall see to it that all of the statutes 
of the commune are reviewed and improved each year throughout the 
one month prior to the Feast of Saint Martin by eight or by about 
eight wise men chosen by them. 
 
 
32. [XXXII] PENA NON EUNTIS AD CONSILIUM ET NON PARENTIS          
       PRECEPTIS CONSULUM ORDINATUR. 
 
     Item statutum et ordinatum est quod qui non Iuerit ad 
conscilium quando pulsabitur uel quando precipietur de mandato 
consulum et qui non obediuerit consulibus quando precipitur eis 
quod sint super palatio comunis uel alibi ad Judicandum banna uel 
prouissiones faciendas pro comuni. quod ille qui non fuerit hora 
statuta soluat bannum pro qualibet uice solidorum. II. pp. nisi 
inde fecerit legitimam defessionem. 
 
32. [XXXII] THE PENALTY IS ORDAINED FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT GO       
       TO THE COUNCIL AND FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT OBEY THE            
PRECEPTS OF THE CONSULS. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed and ordained that [a man] 
should not go to the Council when he will strike a blow or deviate 
from the mandate of the consuls and he does not obey the consuls 
when given an order by them because they are at the Palace of the 
Commune or anywhere else to adjudicate banns or make provisions for 
the Commune.  [It is understood] that the person who does not 
respect the statutes should pay a fine of two solidi unless he has 
a legitimate defense therefrom. 
 
 
33. [XXXIII] QUALITER SINT BANNA DE FORIS EXIGENDA. 
 
     Item statutum est quod consules per eorum sacramentum 
teneantur excutere banna de foris sicut banna comunis et quod non 
possint facere aliquam gratiam de dictis bannis. 
 
33. [XXXIII] HOW FINES SHOULD BE EXACTED FROM FOREIGNERS. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the consuls, on 
their sworn oath, are obliged to execute fines from the market 
places as if they were fines of the commune and [it is understood] 
that they can not grant any dispensation concerning the aforesaid 
fines. 
 
 
34. [XXXIIII] DICENTIS CORAM CONSULIBUS UERBA INIURIOSA SEU       
         PERCUTIENTIS PENA STATUTA. 
 
     Item statutum et ordinatum est quod si aliqua persona dixerit 
verba iniuriossa alicui alteri corum consulibus quando redunt 
rationem et petentibus coram eis rationem uel iustitiam soluat pro 
qualibet uice solidos X pp. et si percuxerit aliquem coram dictis 
consulibus soluat bannum solidorum LX pp. 
 
34. [XXXIIII]  THE PENALTY DECREED FOR THOSE WHO UTTER            
          INJURIOUS WORDS OR STRIKE BLOWS IN THE                  
     PRESENCE OF THE CONSULS.  
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed and ordained that, if any 
person utters harmful words to any other person in the presence of 
the consuls while they are deliberating and in the presence of 
those seeking a decision or justice, he should pay a fine of sixty 
solidi pp. 
 
 
35. [XXXV] OMNI DIE IURIDICA CLAUARIUS SEDERE DEBET PRO           
      TRIBUNALI NISI COMITTAT EX IUSTA CAUSA. 
 
     Item statutum est quod clauarius comunis bugelle omni die 
iuridica teneatur et debeat venire ad platheam placij bugelle ad 
locum ubi ius redditur et ibi sedere pro tribunali pro Iustitia 
facienda. vniquique cumquerenti. Qui clauarius ex iusta causa et 
necessaria possit vnum ex aliis consulibus substinuere loco sui qui 
sedere debeat pro tribunali et iustitiam reddere postulantibus. 
 
35. [XXXV] ON EVERY LAWFUL BUSINESS DAY, THE TREASURER            
      SHOULD SIT IN FRONT OF THE TRIBUNAL UNLESS HE IS            
EXCUSED FOR A JUST CAUSE. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the Treasurer of the 
Commune of Biella is obliged to and should come to the public 
square of the open area on every legal day of business to the place 
where justice is rendered and to sit there in front of the Tribunal 
for the rendering of justice for each and every case.  The 
treasurer, for just cause and necessity, can substitute for one of 
the consuls and he should sit in his place on the tribunal and 
render justice to those demanding it. 
 
 
36. [XXXVI] QUID HABEAT CLAUARIUS PRO EO QUOD OMNI DIE            
       IURIDICA SEDERE DEBET PRO TRIBUNALI.  
 
     Item statutum est quod quilibet qui fuerit clauarius pro 
temporibus habeat omni anno vltra salarium ordinatum per alia 
statuta. ex eo quod omni die tenetur venire ad banchum pro justicia 
facienda solidos XL. pp. 
 
36. [XXXVI] THE TREASURER MAY KEEP [THE SALARY THAT HE IS         
       PAID] BECAUSE HE IS OBLIGED TO SIT BEFORE THE               
TRIBUNAL ON EVERY BUSINESS DAY. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that anyone who was a 
Treasurer in office for a whole year should have forty solidi pp. 
more than the salary ordained by the other statutes from the point 
which he is obliged to come to the bench for a full day to render 
justice. 
 
      
37. [XXXVII] QUALITER SINT BANNA DE FORIS IUDICANDA ET EORUM      
        PROCESSUS IN OMNIBUS FATIENDI. 
 
     Item statutum et ordinatum est quod consules comunis bugelle 
faciant omni anno Judicari banna et accusas eis facta et acusata 
hominum forensium. per quatuor sapientes de credentia bugelle ad 
hoc electos per dictos consules. qui iurent Judicare bene et 
legaliter. conseruando cuilibet ius suum secundum formam statutorum 
comunis bugelle et ponere in scriptis in libro accusationum hominum 
forensium nomina sapientum qui iudicauerint dictas acusas. et 
clauarius teneatur ex sacramento omni anno ponere librum disctarum 
acusationum forensium in archiuo comunis. infra festum 
resurectionis domini. postquam exiuerit de consolatu. cum alijs 
libris accusationum hominum de bugella. et notarius teneatur in 
dicto libro accusationum forensium ponere defensiones acusatorum et 
dicta testium pe sacramentum. et in pena solidorum. XX. pro 
qualibet uice qua contra fecerit. 
 
37. [XXXVII] HOW FINES CONCERNING BUSINESSMEN SHOULD BE           
        AJUDICATED AND HOW THEIR PROCEEDINGS SHOULD BE             
 RECORDED IN ALL CASES. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed and ordained that the 
consuls of the commune should see to it for the entire year that 
the fines are adjudicated and that accusations are made to them and 
that the accusations of the merchants are made by the four wise men 
of the Credentia of Biella who have been chosen for this purpose by 
the aforesaid consuls.  The consuls should swear that they will 
render judgements well and legally, by preserving for each his 
right according to the form of the statutes of the commune of 
Biella and to set down in writing in the book of the Accusations of 
Businessmen the names of the wise men who will adjudicate the 
aforesaid accusations.  And, the treasurer is obliged on his sworn 
oath for the entire year to place the book of the aforesaid 
Accusations  of the Businessmen in the Archive of the Commune 
within the Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord, after he leaves 
the consulate together with the other books of the accusations of 
the men of Biella.  And, the notary is obliged to record the 
defences of the accused and the statement of the witnesses on their 
sworn oaths in the aforesaid book of the Accusations of the 
Businessmen under the penalty of twenty solidi for each offence in 
which the offence is given. 
 
 
38. [XXXVIII]   QUOMODE SOLUENDE SINT PER CONSULES EXPENSE         
                                                                   
                                                                   
                                                                   
                                                                   
                                                             FACTE 
PER EOS UEL AB IPSIS SE DEBEANT                         LIBERARE. 
 
     Item statutum et ordinatum est quod consules et credenciarij 
comunis bugelle. et consules magistraliarum qui pro temporibus 
fuerint teneantur curare et facere cum effectu et per eorum 
sacramentum quod omnes et singule expensse que fient de cetero 
nomine comunis bugelle. et de mandato ipsius comunis seu credencie 
soluantur consules comunis bugelle. in quorum consulatu expensse 
facte fuerint exeant de eorum regimine et consulatu et credenciarij 
ac consules magistraliarum infra duos  mensses postquam expensse 
facte fuerint. et antequam consules in quorum consulatu facte 
fuerint expense de eorum consulatu. et officio exeant teneantur et 
debeant assignare et ordinare modum et formam per quas dicte 
expensse soluantur. et sint exacte. cum effectu. Ita quod ipsa 
comunitas ab ipsis debitis et absolutione usurarum infra dictum 
tempus sit exhonerata.  Et si predicta non fecerint cum effectu. 
Credenciarij et consules magistrariarum possint conueniri et eorum 
bona a creditoribus qui pecuniam dedissent mutuo consulibus uel 
comuni bugelle pro inde ac si essent pro eorum proprijs et 
specialibus debitibus obligando.  Et ipsam comunitatem bugelle 
exhonerare a dampnis expensis et interesse que incurreret occaxione 
predictorum debitorum transsacto consulatu et tempore 
suprascriptis. 
 
38. [XXXVIII] HOW THE EXPENSES INCURRED BY THE CONSULS            
         SHOULD BE PAID BY THEM OR BY THOSE WHO SHOULD             
  FREE THEMSELVES SHOULD FREE THEMSELVES. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed and ordained that the 
Consuls and the menbers of the Credentia of the Commune of Biella 
and the Consuls of the Magistrates, who are in office at the time, 
are obliged to take care and see to it efficiently on their sworn 
oath that each and every expense that they henceforth make in the 
name of the Commune of Biella and from the mandate of the Commune 
or the Credentia should be paid before the Consuls of the Commune 
of Biella, in whose consulate the expenses had been made, should 
leave their office and consulate and the consuls of the magistrates 
within two months after the expenses had been made and before the 
consuls in whose consulate the expenses concerning their consulate 
had been made, leave office, are obliged to and should assign and 
order the manner and form through which the aforesaid expenses are 
said.  And, they should be exacted with efficiency.  Thus, [it is 
understood] that the community is exhonorated from those debts and 
with absolution from usury within the aforesaid time.  And, if the 
aforesaid matters are done effectively, the members of the 
Credentia and the consuls of the Magistrates and their goods can be 
assembled by creditors who gave the money as a loan to the consuls 
or commune of Biella.  And, if they have been therefore obligated 
in terms of their own property and special debts and to absolve the 
commune of Biella from the expenses of the losses and to be between 
those expenses which it incurred on the occasion of the aforesaid 
debts which were carried on during the consulate and the time of 
the aforesaid events. 
 
 
39. [XXXVIIII] INFRA QUOD TEMPUS QUIS POSSIT RESUMERE             
          CONSULATUM. 
 
     Item statutum est quod qui fuerit consul vno anno non possit 
esse consul a die finiti sui officij usque ad quatuor annos 
completos. 
 
39. [XXXVIIII] WITHIN WHAT PERIOD OF TIME SOMEONE CAN RESUME      
          THE CONSULATE. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that he, who was the 
consul for a year, can not be a consul from the day of the 
termination of his office to the completion of four years. 
 
 
40. [XXXVIIII] IN EXPENSIS RATIONANDIS PERSONA CUM QUA, AC        
          DIES ET MENSIS SUNT APPONENDI. 
 
     Item statutum est quod clauarius et consules qui aliquas 
expenssas fecerint pro comuni teneantur scribere menssem et diem in 
quibus expensse facte et sigillatim specifficare nomina omnium 
quibus data fuerit pecunia et quantitates et causas, alias. nichil 
possit ponere in ratione comunis.  Eo saluo quod dictum statutum 
non extendatur ad spias. nec ad tractatum secretum que fierent ad 
bonum statum et vtilitatem comunis. 
 
40. [XXXVIIII] IN THE ACCOUNTING OF EXPENSES, THE PERSON          
          WITH WHOM, THE DAY, AND THE MONTH MUST BE               
     REPORTED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the treasurer and 
the consuls, who have caused the expenses on behalf of the commune, 
are obliged to write down the day and the month in which they 
incurred the expenses and to specify under seal the names of all of 
those to whom money has been given as well as the quantity and 
reasons; otherwise, nothing can be placed in the accounts of the 
Commune.  Saving that [it is understood] that the aforesaid statute 
is not extended to spies nor to handling secret activities which 
are done for the good state and advantage of the Commune. 
 
 
41. [XXXX] QUI POTEST ALIQUEM ALTERUM PRO CUSTODIA EXCUSARE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod nullus consul possit nec debeat 
excusare aliquem per se nec per aliquem de domo sua nec accipere 
solutionem seu accipi facere pro excussatione custodie. et qui 
contrafecerit soluat bannum pro quolibet quem excussauerit et 
qualibet uice sol. XX. pp. Et ille qui faceret excussare soluerent 
tantumdem excepto quod liceat. Notario. excussare duos omni nocte. 
et servitori duos. et illi qui stabunt campanille duos. et qui 
stabit super turrim duos. et forestaris duos de licencia consulum. 
 
41. [XXXX] WHO CAN EXCUSE ANY OTHER PERSON FOR GUARD DUTY. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that no consul can nor 
should anyone else by his own authority or through any member of 
his household receive any payment (i.e., bribe) nor cause any 
payment to be accepted as an excuse from guard duty.  And, he, who 
violates [this bann], should pay a fine of twenty solidi pp. for 
each occasion on which he excused [some one from guard duty] and 
for each offence.  And, the person, who caused him to be released 
[from guard duty], should pay the same amount with the exception 
that the notary is permitted to excuse two men during one entire 
evening, the slave [of the commune] two, those who remain [on duty] 
near the bell-tower may excuse two, he, who remains [on guard] in 
the gate-tower may release two, and the foresters may also release 
two with the permission of the consuls. 
 
 
42 & 43. [XXXXI] QUID HABEANT CONSULES DE INQUISITIONIBUS ET      
            QUID FACERE TENEANTUR.  
 
42.  Item statutum et ordinatum est quod de omnibus et singulis 
delictis et quasi maleficijs et quasi rebus negocijs factis 
comissis uel pertractatis contra honorem domini Episcopi et 
Ecclesie Vercellensis uel contra statutum et honorem comunis et 
hominum de bugella seu contra Jus uel statuta seu reformationes 
Cridas et ordinationes dicti comunis.  Consules comunis bugelle et 
quilibet ipsorum simul et separatim prout voluerint possint et 
valeant ex eorum officio sine strepitu et figura Judicij ordine 
Juris seruato et non seruato Inquirere et Inquisitiones facere et 
finire et omnes et singulos qui reperientur culpabiles per eorum 
inquisitiones punire et condempnare secundum jura et statuta 
comunis bugelle et perinde ac si in omnibus fuisset ordo 
Judiciarius solempniter obseruatus et perinde ac si fuisset de 
predictis acussatio legitime facta. 
 
 
43.  Item statutum est quod omnibus et singulis bannis excussis 
ratione Inquisitionum clauarius habeat duodeamam partem et alij 
Consules aliam duodeamam qui consules teneantur stare cum clauario 
ad faciendas dictas Inquisitiones et etiam ipsas sine ipso 
quociescumque ad Aures ipsorum peruenerint uel viderint expedire. 
 
42 & 43. [XXXXI] WHAT THE CONSULS MAY HAVE FROM AN                
            INVESTIGATION AND WHAT THEY ARE OBLIGED TO            
       DO. 
 
42.  In the same way, it has been decreed and ordained that, for 
each and every dereliction, evildoing, and business transaction 
undertaken, committed, or carried out against the honor of the Lord 
bishop and the Church of Vercello or against the statute and the 
honor of the Commune or the proclaimed reforms and ordinances of 
the aforesaid commune, the consuls of the commune of Biella and 
anyone of them, together or as individuals, as they wish, can and 
are able, from their duty without fanfare and judicial formulae, 
and with the letter of the law preserved or not preserved, 
investigate, conduct investigations, and fine each and every person 
who they have found to be guilty through their investigations, to 
punish and condemn according to the laws and statutes of the 
Commune of Biella and, just as if the judicial order has been 
solemnly observed in all matters and just as if a legitimate 
accusation concerning the aforesaid matters has been properly made. 
 
43.  In the same way, it has been decreed that, after each and 
every one of the banns has been executed by reason of an 
investigation, the treasurer may have a twelfth portion and the 
other consuls a half portion.  These consuls are obliged to remain 
with the treasurer to carry out the aforesaid investigations and 
also any other matters that may come to their ears or which they 
may wish to prepare for. 
 
 
44.  LEGITTIME ACCUSATUS HABETUR PRO CONDEMPNATO, NISI            
PROBAT CONTRARIUM. 
 
     Item quia observanda sunt in futurum que longissimis 
temporibus inconmutabiliter tenuerunt Statutum et ordinatum fuit 
quod quelibet persona que de cetero legittime fuerit accusata, per 
consules officialem seu decnunciatorem. uel custodem priuatum 
comunis Bugelle. habeatur pro condempnata. per inde Ac si contra 
accusatum. probatum fuisset legittime de accusa per duos ydoneos 
testes. nisi accusatus probauerit contrarium eius quod continebitur 
in accusa per duos testes legittimos et quilibet qui preerit seu 
deputatus fuerit ad offitium comunis possit accusare pubblice et 
privatim. 
 
44.  AN ACCUSED PERSON MAY BE LEGITIMATELY HELD FOR               
PUNISHMENT, UNLESS HE CAN PROVE THE CONTRARY.   
 
     In the same way, since those matters which were con sidered to 
be unchangeable from the most distant times must be observed in the 
future, it has be decreed and ordained that each person, who is 
henceforth legitimately accused by the consuls, and official, or a 
private guard of the Commune of Biella, is considered for 
condemnation thereby and, if the case concerning an accusation has 
been legitimately proven against the accused person by two suitable 
witnesses, unless the accused person has proven the contrary of 
that which has been contained in the accusation by two legitimate 
witnesses; and, anyone who will be present or who has been 
deputized for duty with the commune can accuss both publicly and 
privately. 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
  II. RUBRICA DE CREDENTIA. 
                                     
                II. THE RUBRIC CONCERNING THE CREDENCIA. 
                                     
 
45. [I] NON UENIENS AD CREDENTIAM UEL SEDENDO LOQUENS              
 QUALITER PUNIATUR. 
 
     Statutum est et ordinatum quod omnes credentiarij veniant ad 
credenciam quando pulsabitur uel precipietur. et qui ibi non fuerit 
antequam consul incipiat concionem soluat bannum sol. VIIII. pp. et 
qui dixerit aliquid. In credencia dum aliquis concionauerit soluat 
simile bannum. 
 
45. [I] HOW A PERSON WHO DOES NOT COME TO THE CREDENTIA OR         
 WHO SPEAKS WHILE IT IS IN SESSION MAY BE PUNISHED. 
 
     It has been decreed and ordained that all of the members of 
the Credentia should come  when the bells is sounded or when 
ordered; and, he, who is not there before the consul begins the 
assembly, should pay a fine of nine solidi pp. and he, who says 
anything in the Credentia while someone else is deliberating (i.e, 
speaking publicly), should pay a similar fine. 
 
 
46. [II] CONTRA PRECEPTA CONSULUM LOQUENS IN CREDENTIA             
  PUNIATUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod qui dixerit aliquid in credencia 
postquam consul preceperit ei quod taceat soluat bannum sol. V. pp. 
et tantum plus. quantum consules preciperent. et consules teneantur 
excutere bannum et facere acordari incontinenti et poni in libro 
comunis sicut alia banna. 
 
46. [II] A PERSON WHO SPEAKS AGAINST THE COMMANDS OF THE           
  CONSULS IN THE CREDENTIA MAY BE PUNISHED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that anyone who has said 
anything in the Credentia after the consul has ordered him to 
remain silent should pay a fine of five solidi pp. and as much more 
as the consul should order.  And, the consuls are obliged to 
enforce the fine and see to it that an agreement is made 
immediately and that it is set down in the Book of the Commune as 
the other fines are. 
 
 
47. [III] ANTE QUAM IURET UENIENS AD CREDENTIAM PUNIATUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod qui venerit ad credenciam et non 
Jurauerit ipsam. soluat bannum sol. V. pp. pro qualibet uice. nisi 
habuisset licenciam a consulibus. et hoc Intelligatur tantum de 
illis qui steterint cum credenciariis. 
 
47. [III] ANYONE WHO DOES NOT TAKE AN OATH BEFORE COMING          
     TO THE CREDENTIA MAY BE PUNISHED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that he, who comes to the 
Credentia and does not swear the oath, should pay a fine of five 
solidi pp. for each offence unless he has a dispensation from the 
consuls; and, this is understood only in regard to those men who 
may remain with the members of the Credentia. 
 
  
48. [IIII] ACTENDI DEBENT QUE FUERINT PER MAIOREM CREDENTIE       
      ORDINATA. 
 
     Item statutum est quod totum hoc quod ordinabitur per 
credenciarios uel maiorem partem. seu per illos qui fuerint ad hoc 
constituti obseruetur. dum modo hoc iuste et racionabiliter factum 
sit. 
 
48. [IIII] THOSE MATTERS WHICH ARE TO BE ACTED UPON SHOULD        
      BE ORDERED BY A GREATER PORTION OF THE CREDENTIA. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that all of this which 
will be ordained by the members of the Credentia or a major portion 
thereof or by those who were convened for this purpose be observed 
as long as this has been justly and rationally done. 
 
 
49. [V] NON HABEAT HONOREM UEL OFFITIUM IN COMMUNI QUI NON         
 EST HABITATOR ET QUI RECUSAT HONERA SUBSTINERE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod aliquis qui non soluat fodra et banna 
comuni bugelle. et qui non sit habitor bugelle. non possit esse de 
credencia nec de consilio. nec habere aliquod officium dicti 
comunis. 
 
49. [V] NO ONE SHOULD HOLD AN HONOR OR AN OFFICE IN THE            
 COMMUNE WHO IS NOT AN INHABITANT [OF THE COMMUNE]             AND 
WHO REFUSED TO SUSTAIN THE HONORS [OF THE                 COMMUNE]. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that anyone, who does not 
pay the dues and the fines of the Commune of Biella and who is not 
an inhabitant of Biella, can not be a member of the Credentia or of 
the Council and he can not hold any office of the aforesaid 
commune. 
 
 
50. [VI] DE QUIBUS BANNIS NON LICEAT GRATIAM IMPETERTIRI. 
 
     Item statutum est quod aliqua gracia non possit fieri de 
aliquo banno ludi. furti. ferute. uel qui trassisset arma. nec 
a;icui qui steterit bannitus comunis bugelle ultra menssem vnum. 
nec de aliquo banno rupto uel Judicato. 
 
50. [VI] CONCERNING THOSE FINES FOR WHICH PERMISSION IS NOT        
  GIVEN TO GRANT A PARDON. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that no dispensation can 
be granted from any fine for gambling, theft, ordeals, or fo he who 
has carried weapons or for anyone who remains a banned person of 
the Commune of Biella for more than a month nor from any bann which 
has been broken or adjudicated. 
 
 
51. [VII] IN PRESENTIA PETENTIS GRATIAM NUNQUAM                   
     RESPONDEATUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod si quis pecierit uel requisierit 
aliquid a comuni consules et credenciarij habeant conscilium simul 
sine illo qui pecierit antequam respondeant ei. Et ille qui 
responderet sine volumtate credencie soluat bannum sol. X. pp. Set 
sic respondeatur per consules. domine nos audiuimus libenter uerba 
vestra tamquam domini et amici nostri et super hiis diligenter 
habebimus conscilium. et vobis respondebitur secundum voluntatem et 
perceptum credencie. et tunc habeant conscilium respondendi per 
volumtatem credencie.  
 
51. [VII] A RESPONSE SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN IN THE PRESENCE        
     OF THOSE SEEKING A DISPENSATION. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that, if anyone is 
seeking or requesting anything from the Commune, the consuls and 
the members of the Credentia are required to hold a conference 
together without the person who is petitioning before they respond 
to him.  And, he, who responds without the wish of the Credentia, 
should pay a fine of twenty solidi pp., but, the consuls should 
respond in this manner: "Lords, we have freely listened to your 
words as if they were our lords and friends.  And, concerning these 
matters, we have held a conference.  And, there will be a response 
to you in accordance with the wishes and order of the Credentia.  
And, they will then hold a Council to respond at the wish of the 
Credentia." 
 
 
52. [VIII] DONUM FIERI NON POTEST NISI MAGISTRALIJS PRIMITUS      
      CONUOCATUS. 
 
     Item statutum est quod si aliquis homo vel femina cuiuscumque 
conditionis si pecierit aliquid a Credentia seu a Comuni Bugelle 
Consules et Credentiarij non possint nec debeant facere aliquam 
responsionem nec aliquod donum. donec conuocauerint Consules 
cuiuslibet Mestralie. qui similter conuocare debeant omnes illos de 
eorum paraticis et habito conscilio cum ipsis liceat ipsis 
Consulibus paraticorum ducere ad Credentiam. VI. uel. VIII. aut 
usque ad. XII. de melioribus cuiuslibet paratici et tunc fiat 
responxio de Conscilio et uoluntate Credentiariorum et mestralium 
qui fuerint ad credentiam uel maioris partis ipsorum.  Aliter uero 
responxio sit cassa irrita et nullius ualoris atque momenti.  Et 
hoc Capitulum siue statutum sit et esse intelligatur Ita et taliter 
precisum quod non possit nec debeat cassari nec irritare per totum 
tempus consulum qui iurauerint et quod quelibet maystraria faciat 
responsionem sui consilij et singulariter. aliter facta responsio 
pro nulla habeatur nec teneatur. et eodem modo teneantur consulere 
super quamcumque causam de qua conscilium daretur in credentia. 
 
52. [VIII] A GIFT CAN NOT BE GIVEN EXCEPT WHEN THE                
      MAGISTRATES ARE FIRST ASSEMBLED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that, if any man or woman 
of any condition whatsoever, should seek anything from the 
Credentia or the Commune of Biella, the consuls and the members of 
the Credentia can not and should not make any response nor any gift 
until they have called the consuls of any mistery (= craft or craft 
gild) whatsoever which, in a similar fashion, shall have convened 
all of those persons who belong to their assemblies and, after they 
have held a meeting with them, the consuls of these assemblies are 
permitted to bring to the Credentia six, eight, or up to twelve of 
the better members of their assembly and then the response from 
their council may be made at the wish of the members of the 
Credentia and of the mistery who are present at the Council or the 
greater portion thereof.  Otherwise, their response is void, 
illegal, and of no value or moment.  And, this chapter or statute 
may be and should be understood to be such and so exact that it can 
not be nor should be voided nor rendered illegal throughout the 
entire term of office of the consuls who took the oath [to enforce 
this law] and [it is understood] that any mistery may make a 
response to the consuls as a group or individually.  The response 
which has been made in another way should be considered and held to 
be of no account.  And, in the same way, they are obliged to 
consult concerning any reason for which counsel has been given in 
the Credentia.  
 
 
53. [VIIII] QUALITER ELECTORES CONSULUM ET CONSULES               
       ELIGANTUR. 
      
     Item statutum est quod in Credentia pulsata et congregata ad 
sonum canpane more solito eligantur. XII. homines ad breue datum 
inter omnes Credentiarios, qui iurent eligere bonos et ydoneos 
Consules duos de Placio et duos de Plano. et. VIII. illorum. XII. 
habeant potestatem eligendi predictos si fuerint in concordia.  Ita 
tamen quod aliquis ipsorum electorum non possit esse Consul. 
 
53. [VIIII] HOW THE ELECTORS OF THE CONSULS AND THE CONSULS       
       ARE CHOSEN. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that in a Credentia 
called together and assembled at the sound of the bell in the 
customary manner, twelve men should be chosen at the writ given 
among all of the members of the Credentia, who swear that they will 
choose four good and suitable consuls, two from the public square 
and two from the open area, and eight others.  They have the power 
to choose the aforesaid men if they are in agreement.  It is thus 
neverthe less understood that none of those electors can be a 
consul. 
 
 
54. [X] QUALITER ELECTORES OFFITIALIUM ET OFFITIALES SINT          
 ELIGENDI. 
 
     Item statutum est quod alij. XII homines electi ad breue datum 
in credentia iurare debeant eligere omnes officiales Comunis illius 
anni et octo illorum si fuerint in concordia possint ipsos 
officiales eligere. Ita tamen quod aliquis de predictis electoribus 
non possit esse officialis preter Clauarium et hoc statutum fit et 
esse debeat perpetuo precisum ita quod non posit poni in credentia 
quod aliter electio fiat. nec per ipsam credentiam dispensari. et 
si contra factum fuerit. cassum sit et irritum ipso iure. 
 
54. [X] HOW THE ELECTORS OF THE OFFICIALS AND THE OFFICIALS        
 SHOULD BE CHOSEN. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the other twelve men 
chosen at the writ given in the Credentia should swear that they 
would choose all of the officials of the Commune for that year and 
eight of them, if they are in agreement, can choose those 
officials.  Thus, [it is understood] nevertheless that anyone of 
the aforesaid electors can not be an official besides the treasurer 
and this is the statute and it should be forever so precise that a 
person can not be seated in the Credentia because his election took 
place in any other circumstance nor can [this bann] be waived.  
And, if this statute is contravened, [the election] is void and 
unlawful by the law itself. 
 
 
55. [XI] QUALITER ELECTORES CONSULUM ET OFFITIALIUM ELIGENDI       
  POTESTATE PRIUENTUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod si predicti electores consulum et 
officialium non se concordarent de faciendis predictis electionibus 
sicut superius determinatur et starent tantum ad concordendum se de 
predictis quod vna candela de vno pede esset combusta et finita 
quod electio ipsorum reuertatur ad credentiam, et eligatur vnum 
Camparium in Pauignano. 
 
55. [XI] HOW THE CHOSEN ELECTORS OF THE CONSULS AND THE            
  OFFICIALS ARE DEPRIVED OF THEIR OFFICE BY THE                 
PODESTA. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that, if the aforesaid 
electors of the Consuls and officials do not agree among themselves 
concerning conducting the aforesaid electors as it has been 
determined above they are to remain together only to make an 
agreement among themselves concerning the aforesaid matters so long 
as it is for [the length of time that it takes] a one foot candle 
to burn and, after the candle has burned out, [it is understood] 
that the election of those [officials and consuls] is returned to 
the Credentia and one camparius is chosen in Pauignanum. 
 
 
56. [XII] QUOD ORDINATUM EST POTEST MAIOR PARS CREDENTIE           
   IMMUTARE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod Credentia possit crescere diminuere et 
mutare ea de quibus maior pars fuerit in concordia ad honorem et 
utilitatem domini Episcopi et ecclesie Vercellensis et Comunis 
Bugelle saluo quod pro illo anno quo consules iurauerint super 
statutis quod nichil fieri possit in illo anno contra statuta. 
 
56. [XII] A MAJORITY PORTION OF THE CREDENTIA CAN CHANGE           
   WHAT HAS BEEN ORDAINED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the Credentia can 
increase, lessen, and change those matters concerning which a major 
portion was in agreement for the honor and advantage of the Lord 
Bishop, the Church of Vercellens, and the Commune of Biella, saving 
that for the year in which the consuls have taken an oath 
concerning the statutes that nothing can be done in that year 
against the statutes. 
 
 
57. [XIII] PENA PROPONENTIS ALIQUID ANTE QUAM PROPOSITA PER       
      CONSULES FUERINT REFORMATA. 
 
     Item statutum est quod quousque fuerit facta reponsio et datum 
conscilium super proposita facta per Consules nullus Credentiarius 
debeat aliquid aliud proponere uel allegare sine licentia Consulum.  
Et qui contrafecerit soluat bannum. sol. V. pp. Et Consules 
teneantur excutere illa banna sicut alia et ante quam exeant de 
credencia facere ipsa acordari. 
 
57. [XIII] THE PENALTY FOR THOSE WHO PROPOSE ANYTHING BEFORE      
      THE MATTERS PROPOSED BY THE CONSULS WILL HAVE               
BEEN ACTED UPON. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that, whatever response 
has been made or whatever counsel has been given concerning 
proposals made by the Consuls, no member of the Credentia should 
propose or allege anything else without the permission of the 
consuls.  And, he, who violates [this bann], should pay a fine of 
five solidi pp.  And the consuls are obliged to execute those banns 
as the others and to see to it that those matters are negotiated 
before they leave the Credentia. 
 
 
58. [XIIII] QUANDO UALEAT INSTRUMENTUM GRATIE QUE FIT PER         
       COMUNE ET PENA NOTARIJ QUI FACIT INSTRUMENTUM               
CONTRA FORMAM STATUTORUM. 
 
     Item statutum est quod si carta aliqui facta fuerit habitarie 
siue alicuius alterius facti que pertineat comuni bugelle. quod 
ipsa carta legatur et examinetur in publica credencia. seu in 
conscilio. et si aprobata fuerit. reddatur per notarium qui eam 
fecerit ei cuius fuerit. Alioquim si contrafactum fuerit. sit cassa 
et irrita. Insuper notarius qui cartam fecerit tenetur dare similem 
clauario comunis sumptibus illius qui eam pecierit a comuni. et 
clauarius tenetur eam ponere in scrineo comunis cum sociis suis. Et 
notarius qui contrafecerit soluat bannum pro quolibet et qualibet 
uice sol. XX. pp. Et consules teneantur inquirere. 
 
58. [XIIII] WHEN AN INSTRUMENT FOR PARDON WHICH HAS BEEN          
       MADE BY THE COMMUNE IS IN FORCE AND THE PENALTY             
FOR THE NOTARY WHO MARKS AN INSTRUMENT AGAINST                THE 
FORM OF THE STATUTES. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that, if there is any 
document of ownership which has been made or anything else which 
has been made that pertains to the Commune of Biella, [it is 
understood] that this document should be read and examined in the 
public Credentia or in the Council.  And, if it has been approved, 
it should be returned by the notary who fashioned it to the person 
to whom it belongs.  If the document should be contrary to this 
[directive] in any way, it is void and illegal.  In addition, the 
notary, who fashioned the document is obliged to give a copy to the 
treasurer of the Commune at the expense of the person who sought 
the document from the commune.  And, the treasurer is obliged to 
place the document in the archive of the Commune together with its 
fellows.  And, the notary, who violates [this directive], should 
pay a fine of twentu solidi pp. for each and every offence.  And, 
the Consuls are obliged to investigate. 
 
    
59. [XV] PENA FORENSIS EUNTIS AD CONUOCATIONEM FACTAM              
  RATIONE COMUNIS. 
 
     Item statutum est quod aliqua persona que non sit de bugella 
seu recepta in habitatorem comunis bugelle non audeat vel presumat 
Ire ad aliquam coadunationem seu conuocationem que fiat per 
maystralias ad petitionem comunis bugelle seu de mandato consulum 
uel comunis predicti loci uel ratione dicte comunitatis. Et qui 
contra fecerit soluat pro quolibet et qualibet vice sol. V. et 
consules illius paratici qui eos admiserint soluant pro quolibet et 
qualibet vice sol. X. 
 
59. [XV] THE PENALTY FOR THE FOREIGNER WHO GOES TO AN              
  ASSEMBLY CALLED FOR BY A DECISION OF THE COMMUNE. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that any person, who is 
not a resident of Biella or who has been received into ahousehold 
of the Commune of Biella, should not dare to nor presume to go to 
any assembly or convocation which was called for by the craft gilds 
at the request of the commune or at the mandate of the Consuls or 
of the Commune of the aforesaid place or at the reckoning of the 
aforesaid community.  And, he, who violates [this bann], should pay 
a fine of five solidi pp. for each and every offence and the consul 
of that paraticus, which called them together should pay ten solidi 
pp. for each and every offence. 
 
 
 
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
   III. RUBRICA DE COMUNI. 
                                     
                 III. THE RUBRIC CONCERNING THE COMMUNE. 
                                     
60. [I] PENA NON SOLUENTIS AD TERMINUM ORDINATUM. 
 
     Item statutum est quod qui non soluerit comuni quod debuerit 
ad terminum sibi assignatum. siue in Instrumentis ordinatum. quod 
omnia dampna et expensse que fient occaxione illius debiti. vadant 
super illo qui non soluerit.  Et qui dederit aliquod pignus 
clauario nomine comunis. teneatur predictum pignus facere bonum 
usque ad quantitatem pro qua id dederit. 
 
60. [I] THE PENALTY FOR NOT RENDERING PAYMENT WITHIN THE           
 TIME ORDAINED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that he, who does not pay 
the commune what he owes by the deadline assigned to him or 
ordained in the instruments, [should understand] that all loses and 
expenses which were incurred on the occasion of the debt become  
the responsibility of he who has not paid his debts.  And, he, who 
has given any pledge to the treasury in the name of the commune is 
obliged to make the aforesaid surety good to the quantity for that 
which he had given it. 
 
  
61. [II] SALARIUM AMBAXATORIBUS EQUESTRIBUS ORDINATUM. 
 
     Item statutum est quod qui Iuerit extra bugellam pro ambaxata 
comunis. habeat sol. XVI. pp. pro quolibet cum equo. et non plus. 
Et si venerit ea die qua iuerit habeat sol. VIIII. pp. Et non 
possit nec debeat sibi fieri aliqua ultra predictos sol. XII. pp. 
 
61. [II] THE SALARY ESTABLISHED FOR EQUESTRIAN AMBASSADORS. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that he who travels 
outside of Biella for any ambassadorship for the commune, should 
have sixteen solidi pp. for each [attendant] with a horse and no 
more.  And, if he returns on the day on which he had departed, he 
should have nine solidi pp. And, he can not and should not take 
anything additional for himself beyond the aforesaid twelve solidi 
pp. 
 
 
62. [III] SALARIUM PEDESTRIUM ET FATIENDUM FACTA COMUNIS. 
 
     Item statutum est quod qui Iuerit extra bugellam videlicet 
longe a loco bugelle per unum miliare sine equo in seruicio comunis 
habeat sol. III. pp. pro quolibet die.  Et qui steterit super 
aliquo facto comunis in bugella habeat sol. II. pp. qualibet die. 
 
62. [III] THE SALARY FOR THOSE WHO ARE ON FOOT AND CARRYING       
     OUT THE BUSINESS OF THE COMMUNE. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that he who goes outside 
of Biella certainly further than one mile (miliare) from the 
territory of Biella without a horse in the service of the commune 
should have three solidi pp. for each day.  And, he, who has 
remained in Biella on any business of the commune should have two 
solidi pp. for each day. 
 
 
63. [IIII] PENA NON ATTENDTIUM PRECEPTA COMUNIS ET PROCESSUS      
      CONTRA EOS PER CONSULES FATIENDI. 
      
     Item statutum est quod omnes homines habitantes et stantes in 
begella debeant attendere et obseruare omnis precepta 
rationabiliter eis facta per consules bugelle uel aliquem ipsorum 
de precepto et voluntate credencie uel maioris partis ipsius 
credencie. Et qui contrafecerit soluat bannum pro qualibet die qua 
steterit usque ad octo dies sol. X. pp. nisi iustam habuerit 
excusationem.  Et de predictis bannis non possit fieri aliqua 
gratia.  Et si non acordauerit predicta banna. non emendentur sibi 
aliqua dampna si fierent ei. de ere comunis post terminum. VIII0. 
dierum ipso existente in predicta rebellitione. et quod teneatur 
pro uicino. et quod nullus debeat ei dare conscilium nec 
adiutorium. nec mercandare cum eo.  Et quod nemo coquat sibi panum 
nec coqui facere nec molat sibi bladum nec moli facere nec laborare 
cum eo vel dare laborem sub banno sol. V. pp. pro quolibet et 
qualibet vice.  Et conssules teneantur facere ipsum sic rabellum 
omni mense nominatim cridari in banno per loca consueta per totum 
eorum consulatum per sacramentum et super predictis omnibus et 
singulis teneantur inquirere si sciuerint et eis denunciatum fuerit 
et tenere denunciatores privatos. 
 
63. [IIII] THE PENALTY FOR NOT ATTENDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS      
      OF THE COMMUNE AND THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THEM             
INDICATED BY THE CONSULS. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that all me living and 
residing in Biella should attend to and observe all laws reasonably 
made for them by the consuls of Biella or by any one of them "de 
precepto et voluntate credencie vel maiores partis ipsius 
credencie."  And, he, who violates [this bann], should pay a fine 
of ten solidi pp. for each day on which he remains up to eight days 
unless he has a just excuse.  And, concerning the aforesaid banns, 
there can be no indulgence granted.  And, if anyone does not agree 
with the aforesaid banns, no loss, if it should happen to him, 
should re reimbursed from the treasury of the commune after the 
limit of eight days while he is in the aforesaid rebellion.  And, 
[it is understood] that he may not be considered a neighbor.  And, 
[it is understood] that no one should give aid or counsel to him or 
to engage in business with him.  And, [it is understood] that no 
one should break bread with him or cause anyone to eat with him or 
mill his grain or cause it to be milled or work with him or give 
him work under a penalty of five solidi pp. for each and every 
offence.  And, the consuls are to see to it that he is thus 
publicly denounced by name as a rebel every month in a bann 
throughout the customary places throughout the time of their 
consulate on their sworn oath and, concerning each and every one of 
the aforesaid matters, the consuls are obliged to investigate if 
they know about them and if it has been reported to them; and, 
[they are obliged] to keep [the names of] the informers 
confidential. 
 
  
64. [V] PENA SAPANTIUM ARBORES SUPER COMUNI, ULTRA 
            FORMAM STATUTORUM. 
 
     Item statutum est quod arbores existentes super comuni non 
debeant nec possint sappari ultra pedes IIIor. longe ab arbore. et 
qui contrafecerit.  soluat pro quolibet vice sol. XX. pp.(propria 
pecunia).  Et omnes officiales teneantur accusare et pro qualibet 
arbore sol. V. 
 
64. [V] THE PENALTY FOR THOSE WHO TRIM TREES IN THE 
            COMMUNE BEYOND THE FORM OF THE STATUTES 
 
     In the same way it is decreed that the trees which are in the 
Commune can not and should not be trimmed more than three feet from 
the tree.  And, he, who acts against (this chapter), should pay 
twenty solidi p.p. (in suitable money) for each and every offence.  
And all officials are obliged to make accusations.  And, for each 
tree, there is a fine of five solidi. 
 
 
65. [VI] PER ILLOS DE CREDENTIA DE MANDATO CONSULUM BANNA          
  SUNT IUDICANDA. 
 
     Item statutum est quod banna dicti comunis non possint 
Judicari nisi per illos de credencia ad hoc electos per consules 
dicti comunis secundum quod consuetum est. 
 
65. [VI] PUNISHMENTS ARE ADJUDICATED BY THOSE MEN OF THE           
  CREDENTIA ACCORDING TO THE MANDATE OF THE CONSULS. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the banns of the 
aforesaid commune can not be adjudicated unless by those me of the 
Credentia chosen for that purpose by the consuls of the aforesaid 
commune according to the customary form. 
 
 
66. [VII] DIEBUS MERCURIJ IOUIS ET VENERIS BONA                    
   VENIENTIUM AD FORUM NON VALEANT IMPEDIRI. 
 
     Item statutum et ordinatum est quod non possit nec debeat 
fieri aliquod saximentum de bonis uel in bonis alicuius uenientis 
a forum bugelle in die Mercuri post nonam. nec per totam diem 
Jovis. nec die veneris usque ad vesperas. nec ipsius bona modo 
aliquo impedire. et qui pecierit vel impetrauerit fieri dictum 
saximentum seu impediuerit aliquem venientem ad forum. uel bona 
eius detinebit uel occupabit directe uel indirecte. soluat pro 
quolibet et qualibet uice. sol. XX. pp. et ultra hoc dictum 
saximentum sit cassum et irritum.  et ille qui eum fieri fecerit. 
teneatur ipsum facere cassari si fuerit requisitus. et si cassare 
noluerit.  soluat bonnum sol, LX. et nichilominus dictum saximentum 
sit cassum irritum et nullius ualoris.  penitus et momenti. et quod 
statutum non extendatur ad fures. latrones. seu raptores. nec. 
intelligatur de bonis furatis et ablatis. uiolenter vel derubatis. 
 
66. [VII] ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY, THE GOODS           
     OF THOSE COMING TO THE MARKETPLACE SHOULD NOT               BE 
HINDERED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed and ordained that no 
saximentum [a tax of one sixth of the value] can or should be taken 
from the goods or [imposed] on the goods of any person coming from 
the Forum of Biella on Wednesday, Thursday after noon, nor on 
Friday until.after Vespers.  Nor should the goods of anyone be 
impeded in any way.  And, he who places a values (on goods) or 
orders that the aforesaid saximentum be imposed or impedes anyone 
coming to the marketplace or holds onto them either directly or 
indirectly should pay twenty solidi pp. for each and every offence 
and furthermore the saximentum is null and void.  And he who has 
caused this to happen is obliged to see to it that his actions are 
nullified if he shall have required them.  And if he should refuse 
to nullify them, he should pay a fine of 60 solidi and the 
aforesaid saximentum is nonetheless null, void, and of no value or 
actual impact.  And [it is understood] that this statute is not 
extended to thieves, brigands, or rapists, and it is not understood 
to have been extended to goods stolen, taken violently, or 
destroyed. 
 
 
67. [VIII] DOMINUS DOMUS SOLUAT PRO CONDUCTORE QUI RECUSAT        
      COMUNIS HONERA SUBSTINERE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod si aliqua persona de bugella. seu 
habitans in bugella locauerit aliquam  domum uel aliam 
possessionem alicui persone que recuset soluere banna fodra datia 
et alias impositiones ei uel eis imposita uel impositas per 
comune bugelle. quod dominus domus uel alterius possessionis 
dicta banna et alias impositiones soluere teneatur.  Et si 
conductor alij soluere teneatur.  Et si conductor non esset 
soluendo uel se defenderet nichilominus dominus domus in qua 
delinquid soluere teneatur. 
 
67. [VIII] THE LORD OF THE HOUSEHOLD SHOULD PAY FOR THE           
      TENANT WHO REFUSES TO SUSTAIN THE THE HONORS OF             
THE COMMUNE. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that, if any person 
from Biella or living in Biella should lease (rent) any home or 
any possession for any person who refuses to pay fines, feudal 
dues, endowments, or any dues imposed on him, or imposed on them 
or imposed by the commune of Biella, [it is understood] that the 
owner of the house or other possessions may be held responsible 
for paying the aforesaid fines or other investitures.  And, if 
the conductor of another should be obliged to pay or should not 
have to pay or should make a defense for himself, the owner of 
the house in which there is any delinquency [unpaid debts] should 
in no way be obliged to render payment. 
 
  
68. [VIIII] DISPENSATA PER OFFITIALES CONFRARIE ULTRA             
       PROUENTUS SINE LICENTIA COMUNIS NULLATENUS                  
REPPETANTUR. 
 
     Item statutum et ordinatum est quod prior et sorestani 
confrarie non possint nec debeant expendere nec distribuere ultra 
illud quod exegerint uel exigere debuerint de prouentibus 
confrarie illius anni in quo essent dicti prior et sorestani 
constituti.  Et si contrafecerint non restituatur eis de Ere 
comunis nec confrarie nisi hoc decissent de licentia credentie 
optenta antequam inciperent distribuere dictam confrariam. 
 
68. [VIIII] EXPENDITURES BY THE OFFICIALS OF ASSOCIATIONS         
       BEYOND THEIR FINANCIAL RESOURCES WITHOUT THE                
LICENCE OF THE COMMUNE SHOULD BY NO MEANS BE             
REPEATED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed and ordained that the 
prior or prioress of a brotherhood can not nor should not expend 
or distribute any more than they are required to or should they 
demand from the proceeds of the brotherhood during the year in 
which the aforesaid prior or prioress had been installed in 
office.  And, if this bann is violated, [the loss] should not be 
restored to them from the treasury of the commune nor of the 
brotherhood, unless it took place with the permission of the 
Credentia chosen before they began to distribute [the proceeds 
of] the aforesaid brotherhood. 
 
 
69. [X]  DANS DAMPNUM IN DOMIBUS ALIENIS SOLIDOS V                
         SOLUERE TENEATUR.  
 
     Item statutum est quod qui proiecerit lapides vel dampnum 
dederit in domibus Ecclesiarum confrarie communis et cuiuslibet 
persone soluat bannum pro quolibet et qualibet uice sol. V pp. 
 
69. [X]  ANY PERSON CAUSING DAMAGE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HOME          
  IS BOUND TO PAY FIVE SOLIDI. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that he, who throws 
stones at or who causes damage to the homes of the churches of the 
brotherhood of the commune and of each and every person, should pay 
a fine of five solidi pp. for each and every offence 
 
70.  ACCUSATUS NON FACIENS DEFENSIONEM INFRA MENSEM HABEATUR       
               PRO CONDEMNATO. 
 
     Item quod quelibet persona que accusata fuerit consulibus 
bugelle ab alio quam per ofitialem comunis si post acussam infra 
menssem defensionem non fecerit atque dederit eam in scriptis 
consulibus habeatur pro condennata. et ab ipsa persona bannum 
exigatur et perueniat in comune bugelle perinde ac si accusa 
probata esset per duos legitimos testes. 
 
70.  AN ACCUSED PERSON WHO DOES NOT MAKE A DEFENSE WITHIN A       
MONTH MAY BE CONSIDERED AS CONVICTED. 
 
     In the same way, [it is understood] that, if any person who 
has been accused to the consuls of Biella by any person other 
than by an official of the commune does not make a defense within 
a month and give that defense in writing to the consuls, he 
should be held for condemnation.  And, from this person, a fine 
is exacted and it falls to the commune of Biella therefrom and if 
the accusation has been proven by two legitimate witnesses. 
 
 
 
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
                                                                IIII. RUBRICA DE
SANCTIS FESTIS. ECCLEXIIS. SALMIS. CUMFRARIA. ET 
                               HOSPITALI. 
                                     
       IIII. THE RUBRIC CONCERNING HOLY DAYS, CHURCHES, CONVENTS, 
                      BROTHERHOODS, AND HOSPITALS. 
 
 
71. [XI] IURANTES ET BLASFEMANTES YHESUM ET ALIOS SANCTOS          
  DEI QUALITER PUNIATUR. 
 
     Statutum est quod illa persona que blasphemauerit uel 
maledixerit deum. uel sanctam Mariam. aut aliquem sanctum uel 
sanctam. Aut qui dixerit in despectu aut male grate alicuius 
ipsorum. Aut qui Jurauerit corpus. sanquinem. uel os dei. uel 
sancte Marie soluat bannum pro quolibet et qualibet uice sol. 
quinque. pp. 
 
71. [XI] THE MANNER IN WHICH THOSE WHO SWEAR AND BLASPHEME         
  JESUS AND THE OTHER SAINTS OF GOD SHOULD BE                   
PUNISHED. 
 
     It has been decreed that any person who blasphemes or speaks 
badly of God, of Holy Mary, or of any holy man or woman, or, who 
speaks on contempt of or with disfavor of anyone of them, or, who 
swears on the body, blood, or bones of God or Holy Mary, should pay 
a fine of five solidi pp. for each and every offence. 
 
 
72. [XII] QUIBUS FESTIUITATIBUS SIT PROHIBITUM LABORARE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod omnia festa Beate Marie virginis. et 
appostolorum, et festum omnium Sanctorum. et festa beatorum Eusebij 
ed Stephani de mensse augusti. et omnes dies dominici sint in 
banno. et qui laborauerit uel laborari fecerit in aliquo 
predictorum festorum et in aliis maioribus festivitatibus si fuerit 
dominus laboris soluat bannum sol. V. pp. si fuerit laborator qui 
laboret pro precio denar. XII. pp. Et in eodem banna sint 
festiuitates sanctorum et sanctarum Nicolay. Martini. Victoris. 
Theodori. Bernardi. Mauricij. Caxiani. Marie Magdalene. Michaelis 
et Georgii et Sancti Augustini confessoris et sancte Katherine 
virginis. Et beati Marchi euangeliste et sancti Luce et corporis 
Christi. 
 
72. [XII] ON WHICH FEAST DAYS IT IS FORBIDDEN TO WORK. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that all of the feast 
days of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Apostles, and the feast of All 
Saints, and the feast days of blessed Eusebius and of Stephen 
during the month of August and all Sundays are under bann.  And, 
he, who works or causes anyone to work on anyone of the aforesaid 
feast days or on other greater festivities, should pay a fine of 
five solidi pp., if he is the master of the work, and, twelve 
denarii, if he is a laborer who worked for a wage.  And, under the 
same bann are the feast days of the saints Nicolas, Martin, Victor, 
Theodore, Bernard, Maurice, Caxianus, Mary Magdalene, Michael, 
George, St. Augustine the Confessor, Katherine the Virgin, Blessed 
Mark the Evangelist, St. Lucy, and the Body of Christ. 
 
 
 
73. [XIII] ASCENDENTES ECLESIAS QUALITER PUNIANTUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod qui ascenderit super aliquibus 
ecclesiis bugelle aliqua de causa soluat bannum sol. XX. pp. nisi 
ascenderet causa meliorandi ipsas. 
 
73. [XIII] HOW THOSE WHO CLIMB ON CHURCHES SHOULD BE               
    PUNISHED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that anyone who climbs 
atop any of the churches of Biella for any reason should pay a fine 
of twenty solidi pp., unless he had climbed atop them to make 
repairs. 
 
 
74. [XIIII] AD QUE FESTA ET UIGILIAS PROHIBITUS SIT               
       ACCESSUS. 
 
     Item statutum est quod aliquis homo masculus de bugella seu 
habitans in bugella a. XII. annis superius non audeat uel presumat 
ire ad festa uel uigilias sanctorum laurentii de andurno. Germani 
de tolegno. Quirici de clauazia. Sancte Marie de moxo. et Bedulij. 
Sancti Jacobi de pitengo. Sancti laurentii de ponderano. . Sancte 
Marie de Auiliano. Sancti laurentii et petri de candelo. Sancti 
Petri de Gallianico. Sancte Marie de sendiliano. Sancti supplicij 
de borriana. Sancti Eusebij de muzano. Sancti stephani de occlepo 
superiori. Sancti theodoli de polono. et qui contrafecerit soluat 
pro quolibet et qualibet uice sol. XX. pp. Et consules non possint 
dare licenciam. 
 
74. [XIIII] AT WHICH FEASTS AND VIGILS ACCESS SHOULD BE           
       PROHIBITED. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that any man from Biella 
or male living in Biella, who is more than twelve years of age, 
should neither dare nor presume to go to the Feast Days and Vigils 
of St. Lawrence of Andurno, Germanus of Tolegnum, Quiricus of 
Clauazia, St. Mary of Moxum and Bedulium, St. James of Pitenengo, 
St. Lawrence of Ponderanum, St. Mary of Auilianum, Sts. Lawrence 
and Peter of Candelum, St. Peter of Gallianicum, St. Mary of 
Sendilianum, St. supplicius of Borriana, St. Eusibius of Muzanum, 
St. Stephen of Occlepum Superior, St. Theodolus of polonum; and, 
he, who breaks [this bann], should pay a fine of twenty solidi pp. 
for each and every offence.  And, the consuls can not grant a 
dispensation. 
 
  
75. [XV] PER QUOS ET QUI ELIGANTUR OFFITIALES CONFRARIE ET         
  INFRA QUOD TEMPUS ET QUALITER RATIONEM SUB PENA          REDDERE 
TENEANTUR. 
 
     Item statutum est quod Prior et mestrales confrarie debeant 
eligere priorem et mestrales omni anno qui fuerintnecessarij pro 
sequenti anno, et ipsi debeant esse secundum quod electi fuerint. 
et qui noluerit esse soluat bannum sol. XX. pp. postea sit. nisi 
haberet iustam excusationem. Et consules eos cogere ut predicta 
faciant. et prior et sorestani teneantur omni anno in virtute 
Spiritus Sancti facere rationem consulibus et confratribus qui 
noluerint interesse. infra menssem post pasca pentecostes usque ad 
sanctam Mariam de medio Auguste. Et prior qui non reddiderit 
rationem consulibus comunis onfra dictum terminum quatuor 
sapientibus electis per consules ad dictam rationem audiendam. 
doluat bannum sol. LX. pp. et pro qualibet septimana sol. XX. pp. 
que banna consules teneantur excutere sicut alia banna comunis per 
eorum sacramentum. et consules non possint dare licenciam nec 
permittere poni in credentia. et quilibet possit accusare et 
teneatur priuatus. 
 
75. [XV]  BY WHOM THE OFFICIALS OF THE BROTHERHOODS ARE            
     CHOSEN AND WHO THEY ARE AND WITHIN WHAT TIME AND            IN 
WHAT MANNER THEY ARE OBLIGED TO RENDER AN                    
ACCOUNTING UNDER PENALTY. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that the Prior and the 
priests of a brotherhood should choose a prior and priests for a 
whole year as necessary for the following year, and they should be 
chosen according to the form under which they are chosen and he, 
who does not wish to be chosen, should pay a fine of twenty solidi 
pp. and afterwards be chosen, unless he has a just excuse.  And, 
the consuls should compel them to do the aforesaid matters.  And, 
the Prior and his companions are obliged each year in the virtue of 
the Holy Spirit to render an accounting for the consuls and their 
associates, who do not wish to be involved between the month of the 
Feast of Pentecost to the Feast of St. Mary during the middle of 
August.  And, the Prior, who does not render an accounting within 
the aforesaid time limit to the four men chosen by the consuls to 
hear the aforesaid accounting should pay a fine of sixty solidi pp. 
and twenty solidi pp. for each week thereafter.  The consuls are 
obliged to execute those fines as they do the other fines of the 
commune on their sworn oath.  And, the consuls can not grant a 
dispensation and can not permit him to be seated in the Credentia.  
And, anyone can accuse and [his name] be kept confidential. 
 
  
76. [XVI] QUID CONFRATRES ET QUANDO SOLUERE TENEANTUR ET          
     PENA NON ATTENDENTIUM PRO UT DEBENT. 
 
     Item statutum est quod quilibet de confraria bugelle. et qui 
intrauerit in ipsam teneatur et debeat soluere sicalem ad sanctum 
eusebium et denar. XX. et oblationes ad pascha pentecostes. et 
prior. et sorestani ipsius confrarie teneantur et debeant excutere 
illam blauam et denarios ab illis qui non soluerint in dictis 
terminis.  Et teneantur per eorum sacramentum dare auxilium et 
facere eorum posse quod ipsi soluat. et restituant expenssas facta 
illa de causa. Et qui fecerit contra predicta soluat bannum sol. V. 
pp. pro qualibet uice et pro quolibet precepto et postea soluat. 
 
76. [XVI] WHAT AND HOW MUCH BROTHERS ARE OBLIGED TO PAY AND       
     THE PENALTY FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT ATTEND TO THIS AS           
THEY SHOULD. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that any member of the 
brotherhood of Biella and anyone, who joins it, is obliged to and 
should pay a sicale [of rye] to St. Eusebius and twenty denarii as 
offerings at the Feast of Pentecost.  And, the prior and the 
brothers of that brotherhood are obliged to and should take the 
grain and the denarii from those who have not paid within the 
aforesaid time limits.  And, they are obliged on their sworn oath 
to render aid and to do what they can so that they can pay and they 
are to reimburse the expenses incurred for that reason.  And, he, 
who violates the aforesaid matters, should pay a fine of five 
solidi pp. for each offence and for each precept; and, he should 
afterwards pay [his dues]. 
 
77. [XVII] PENA RECUSANTIUM OFFITIUM CONFRARIE. 
 
     Item statutum est quod quisque qui eligetur minister 
confrarie. debeat ipsum officum exercere. tam illi qui sunt de 
confrarie quam illi qui non sunt. et qui contrafecerit soluat 
bannum sol. XX. pp. postea sit minister. 
 
77. [XVII] THE PENALTY FOR THOSE WHO REFUSE THE DUTY OF THE       
      BROTHERHOOD. 
 
     In the same way, it has been decreed that each person, who is 
chosen a minister of a brotherhood, should carry out his duty to 
those who are of the brotherhood as well as those who are not.  
And, he, who violates [the aforesaid matters], should pay twenty 
solidi pp. and afterwards he should be a minister. 
 
 
78. [XVIII] QUI ALIENAM CONFRARIAM INTRAUERIT IN BUGELLA TAM